“If at least half of the stated characteristics of the rocket are true, it will be able to cause serious harm to almost any goals in the European part of Russia, the newspaper writes.”, – WRITE: www.unian.ua
If at least half of the stated characteristics of the rocket are true, it will be able to cause serious harm to almost any goals in the European part of Russia, the newspaper writes.
The new winged rocket “flamingo” at least on paper made the impression / screenshotUnusually fast development of the Ukrainian Flamingo missile – in just nine months – has raised doubts about some experts on its real opportunities. Meanwhile, other experts say that the rocket is created in accordance with Ukrainian defense needs and is able to use the weaknesses of Russian air defense, according to The Economist.
The new flamingo rocket, which was presented by Ukraine in early August, with the stated range of 3000 km and the combat part more than a tonne made an impression – at least on paper, according to the material. At the same time, it is noted that even half of the stated characteristics are true, then this ammunition is capable of causing serious harm to almost any goals in the European part of Russia.
“At first, I was very skeptical. But when I saw the rockets, I was stunned,” – quoted the publication of one of the officials who control the project.
Representatives of the manufacturer said that the idea was born in late 2024 – then a sketch of a future rocket on a napkin appeared. At that time, Ukraine needed long -range weapons, and in September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as part of the Victory Plan, “appealed to his American colleague Joe Biden to hand over American winged Tomahawk missiles, but received a sharp refusal. At that time, few believed that the domestic program was able to produce results quickly enough.
The private company Fire Point assured that they managed to exceed expectations through “return to basics”. Engineers were inspired by historical designs, such as the German V-1 and the Soviet Strizh. And the name “Flamingo”, writes The Economist, was first a joking hint of women in management positions. The test prototypes of the rockets were even pink.
Most of the missile information is based on fragmentary data: blurred videos and characteristics of the identical, probably FP5 missiles presented at the UAE weapons in February. Why it was presented exactly there and how the Fire Point is related to the Emirate Company, which demonstrated it is unknown. Fire Point refuses to comment on safety.
“Our idea worked in February – that’s all that can be said,” the representative said.
The article also provides other missile data. The production process, according to representatives of the company, is partly abroad, but more than 90% of the final assembly is carried out at secret sites throughout Ukraine.
The body is made of fiberglass, which makes it less noticeable than metal. The engine is probably a turbovenant AI-25, developed in KB “Motor Sich”, in the Zaporozhye region. Now, the publication notes, production is one rocket a day, but by October they plan to release seven per day.
“Developed so quickly and almost perfect for the needs of Ukraine’s defense, the rocket looks too good to be true. The competitors suggest that it is.
However, the company refutes all this.
Flamingo price – less than 1 million euros per unit – “quite competitive in the world of cruise missiles, but still significant for Ukraine.” It is also noted that the rocket is overall and sharply gaining height during launching, makes it more noticeable to enemy radars.
Nevertheless, Ukrainian aircraft expert Konstantin Krivolap is convinced that the rocket will be able to use gaps in the and more weaker Russian air defense.
“Ukraine is known for its creative combined attacks for defense breakdown – it is likely that it will be the case. Over time, Russia will be more and more destroying,” he said.
However, the final flamingo test will take place on the battlefield. Fire Point acknowledged that the rocket has not yet been used massively, but they say that the enemy will be shocked when it happens.
Ukrainian Flamingo missile As reported earlier, in August, Zelensky announced the mass production of Ukrainian Flamingo missiles. According to him, this should happen in early 2026. He also noted that there were already successful tests of this rocket, and so far this rocket “the most successful we have.”
According to a researcher at Oslo University, expert in the field of missile technologies Fabian Hoffman, Flamingo missiles will deprive Russia of one of the important advantages in the war, namely, will leave it without the advantage of strategic depth, which the Russian Federation assigns important goals to avoid their damage. The range of 3000 km, according to Hoffman, is unprecedented not only for the Ukrainian arsenal, but also of the European one.
Euronews wrote that Flamingo missiles could be transformed. But, according to Austrian military expert Gustav Gressl, it depends on the availability of intelligence in Ukraine about the necessary goals in the Russian Federation.
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