Oboronka, a defense industry project established by Ukrainian news outlet Mezha, published on 28/4 an analysis of the Flamingo long-range cruise missile's combat performance. This analysis relied on open-source intelligence and commercial satellite imagery collected after the strikes. The project reported: "Open-source information verifies six Flamingo missile attacks, with a total of 23 projectiles recorded upon launch. Analysts determined that six of these missiles reached their designated areas, but only two struck their targets. One alleged hit remains disputed."

Series of Flamingo missiles firing in a video posted on 5/2. Video: X/DenShtilierman

The first Flamingo missile attack occurred in 8/2025, targeting a border facility of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) in Crimea, approximately 120 km from the front line. At least three Flamingo missiles were launched; however, only one reached the designated area, missed its target, and fell into the nearby sea. Subsequent images showed damage to the Russian border guard building, but it was not possible to determine the weapon used or if it was related to the Flamingo strike.

The second strike took place in 11/2025, when Ukrainian forces attempted to attack a thermal power plant in Orel, over 170 km from the border. At least 4 Flamingo missiles were launched, but satellite imagery showed no damage or impact traces. All missiles appeared to have been shot down by Russian air defenses, with one interception recorded.

Flamingo missile at the Fire Point factory in 8/2025. Photo: AP

On 27/1, Ukrainian forces targeted the Kapustin Yar training ground in Astrakhan province, a site considered a launch area for Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missiles. At least 4 missiles were directed at this facility; however, only one reached the designated area before being shot down or falling near the training ground's perimeter fence.

The Flamingo achieved its first confirmed hit on 12/2, when 6 missiles were launched at a Russian Artillery and Missile Directorate ammunition depot in Kotluban, over 500 km from the front line. Only one missile reached the designated area and struck the ammunition storage facility, resulting in its destruction.

According to Oboronka, the Flamingo missiles had their "best performance" on the night of 21/2, striking the Votkinsk plant in Russia's Udmurtia Republic. This facility specializes in producing ballistic missiles, including the Iskander-M and Kinzhal series. President Volodymyr Zelensky at the time declined to disclose the total number of missiles Ukraine launched in the strike, though he acknowledged some were intercepted by air defenses. Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed its air defense forces shot down 5 Flamingo missiles, without specifying the total number used by the opposing side.

Moment a Flamingo missile hit the Votkinsk plant in a video posted on 25/2. Video: Defense Express

Oboronka estimated Ukraine launched no fewer than three Flamingo missiles, with one hitting workshop 22 at the Votkinsk plant. Subsequent satellite imagery revealed a large hole in the roof of a structure within the factory complex, but the specific damage and impact on the production line remain unclear.

On 28/3, Ukrainian forces launched at least three Flamingo missiles at the Promsintez explosives production plant in Samara province, western Russia. Two of the projectiles reached the area, but both missed their targets and fell near the workshops or were shot down by Russian air defenses at the last moment.

"Available data indicates the Flamingo remains primarily an experimental weapon rather than a long-term combat asset. It often reaches the target area but fails to strike the intended location," Oboronka stated. However, Oboronka also noted that all analyses were based on processing open-source intelligence. The project cautioned: "The actual number of missiles launched and their hit rate could differ significantly."

Ukrainian officials have not commented on this information. Fire Point, the manufacturer, previously acknowledged that Flamingo missiles often face accuracy issues, primarily due to their "very low flight" requirement. The Flamingo project gained attention upon its debut in 8/2025. Fire Point stated that the missile has a range of 3,000 km, a maximum speed of 900 km/h, carries a 1,1-ton warhead, and uses an inertial guidance system combined with satellite navigation and anti-jamming capabilities. These specifications surpass many weapons in Ukraine's arsenal, including both domestic and Western-supplied systems.

Hole in the roof of a production workshop at the Votkinsk plant after Ukraine's attack on the night of 21/2. Photo: X/cyber_boroshno

Fire Point claims the Flamingo's primary advantage is its simple, inexpensive design, costing only half a million USD per missile and allowing for the production of hundreds monthly. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted in late 10/2025 that the Flamingo project encountered numerous technical production problems and faced funding delays from partners. In February, Zelensky confirmed that a major production line for the Flamingo project was destroyed by Russia in a missile strike, though he did not provide details.

Pham Giang (According to Oboronka, Top War)