Ukraine already using Flamingo missiles against Russia, expected to produce 7 per day soon

Ukraine has started using its domestically produced Flamingo missiles in strikes on Russian territory and is currently manufacturing two to three per day, with plans to scale up to seven daily by the end of October.

Source: The Economist

Quote: "There are also reports that FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles have begun to be used. They are much faster than the drones, flying just 50 meters above the ground, with a range of over 3,000km and packing a huge punch thanks to a 1,150kg warhead."

Details: The article notes that if the FP-5 is capable of penetrating Russian air defences, it could elevate Ukraine's DeepStrike campaign to a new level of destructive capability.

The missile's extended range also allows it to approach targets on variable trajectories, confusing enemy defence systems.

FP-5s use repurposed Soviet-era turbojet engines and a carbon fibre fuselage that can reportedly be manufactured in just six hours.

At present, Ukraine produces two to three of these missiles daily, but output is projected to increase to seven per day by the end of October.

Each missile costs around US$500,000.

By comparison, the US-made Tomahawk missile is four times more expensive, has a shorter range, and carries a smaller warhead, though it is likely more precise and harder to intercept.

The article also highlights the role of Ukrainian drones, which, while slower and carrying smaller warheads (60-120 kg), are effective in long-range strikes with high accuracy.

About 60% of deep strikes into Russia are reportedly conducted with Fire Point FP-1 drones. These UAVs can reach targets 1,500 km inside Russian territory and use sophisticated software. Each FP-1 costs around US$55,000.

Ukraine also uses a heavier and more expensive drone called Liutyi, which has a range of 2,000 km and combat-tested computer vision for precision guidance.

Background:

• In recent weeks, Ukraine has inflicted damage on a major oil export terminal in Novorossiysk, an oil refinery in Bashkortostan (1,300 km from Ukraine), and a pumping station in Chuvashia (1,000 km away).
• On 1 October, a major oil refinery in Russia's Yaroslavl was struck.
• According to some unconfirmed reports cited by The Economist, up to 40% of Russia's oil refining capacity has been affected by Ukrainian attacks.
• Benedict George, head of oil products pricing for Europe at Argus Media, stated that Ukraine has struck 16 of Russia's 38 oil refineries.
• Diesel fuel exports from Russia are down 30% compared to last year and at their lowest level since 2020.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced that Flamingo missiles would enter mass production, with successful testing already completed. Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal has officially confirmed their production.
• In August, production was approximately one Flamingo missile per day, with plans to increase to seven daily by October.

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