Ukraine is already using its own FP-5 «Flamingo» cruise missiles to strike at Russian territory, with production of this new weapon increasing daily. According to The Economist, currently, 2-3 missiles are being manufactured per day, with plans to reach a production level of 7 units by the end of October.
What is the FP-5 'Flamingo' missile?
The FP-5 «Flamingo» is a latest-generation Ukrainian cruise missile created under the DeepStrike program. It is capable of flying at very low altitudes — about 50 meters above the ground, has a range of over 3000 km, and carries a warhead weighing 1150 kg. This allows the weapon to bypass air defense systems and deliver powerful strikes on strategic targets deep within Russia.
What is the cost of the FP-5 'Flamingo' missile?
The publication notes that the carbon fiber body of the missile is manufactured in just six hours, and engines are sourced from refurbished Soviet turbojets. One FP-5 costs about $500,000 — three times less than the American «Tomahawk», which also has a shorter range and weaker warhead.
If the FP-5 can systematically break through Russian air defenses, it will significantly enhance Ukraine's long-range strikes and elevate the DeepStrike campaign to a new level.
Fire Point FP-1 and 'Lyutyi' drones
In addition to the «Flamingo», Ukraine is actively employing Fire Point FP-1 drones — they are responsible for about 60% of deep strikes against Russia. These drones have a range of up to 1500 km and cost around $55,000. Heavier 'Lyutyi' units are also used, capable of flying up to 2000 km and equipped with a machine vision system for targeting.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones and missiles have seriously damaged strategic facilities in Russia — including an oil terminal in Novorossiysk, a factory in Bashkortostan, a pumping station in Chuvashia, and oil refineries in Yaroslavl. According to analysts from Argus Media, Ukraine's strikes have already incapacitated up to 40% of Russia's oil refining capacities, with 16 out of 38 refineries in Russia suffering damage.
Earlier, we reported that Ukraine used new Flamingo missiles.