Ukrainian photographer Efrem Lukatsky, working for the Associated Press, posted on social media on 17/8 that, "The Flamingo missile with a range of 3,000 km is in mass production at the factory of Fire Point, a leading domestic defense company, at an undisclosed location."

The accompanying photo shows a gray missile with mid-body main wings and X-shaped tail fins. The engine is mounted on the upper section towards the tail. The missile is secured on a launcher attached to a trailer. Lukatsky added that full details of the Flamingo missile will be released soon.

Ukrainian officials have not commented.

The alleged Ukrainian Flamingo missile at the Fire Point factory on 14/8. Photo: AP

The alleged Ukrainian Flamingo missile at the Fire Point factory on 14/8. Photo: AP

RBC Ukraine news agency noted the missile's resemblance to the FP-5 cruise missile unveiled by the UAE's Milanion Group at a defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi in February.

The FP-5 missile has a 1-ton warhead, a maximum range of 3,000 km, a launch weight of 6 tons, a 6 m wingspan, and a top speed of 900 km/h. It utilizes an inertial navigation system combined with satellite positioning and anti-jamming capabilities.

H. I. Sutton of the US Naval Institute believes the Flamingo would be significantly more powerful than Ukraine's publicly known missiles, extending its reach beyond the range of numerous weapons currently in service.

According to Ukraine Battle Map, a social media account focused on the war, "It could target 70 out of 90 Russian air bases, as well as all key drone and missile production facilities."

A model of the FP-5 missile at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in February. Photo: Army Recognition

A model of the FP-5 missile at the IDEX 2025 exhibition in February. Photo: Army Recognition

Developing and producing long-range weapons domestically is a crucial part of Ukraine's defense strategy, especially as Russia intensifies attacks and Western military aid faces limitations.

In 10/2024, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine had manufactured 100 missiles since the beginning of the year. In April, he stated that over 40% of the Ukrainian forces' weapons on the front lines, including about 95% of all drones, were domestically produced.

In June, Ukrainian media reported that the Sapsan tactical ballistic missile project had completed combat testing and was in mass production. On 14/8, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have struck several Ukrainian missile factories and defense industry facilities in July, halting the Sapsan missile program.

Pham Giang (Kyiv Independent, AP, RBC Ukraine)