Production Rate of the 'Flamingo' Cruise Missile
Denis Shtilerman, co-founder of Fire Point, has detailed the production pace of the 'Flamingo' cruise missile and plans to switch to a domestically produced engine. Ukraine currently manufactures approximately three 'Flamingo' cruise missiles per day, though this rate is constrained by engine availability. The missile utilizes a dual-spool turbofan engine, which is roughly twice as efficient as standard single-spool engines. This advanced engine configuration is also employed by the American Tomahawk cruise missile, highlighting the 'Flamingo's' sophisticated design.
Fire Point's Strategic Plans
Fire Point has completed development of its own engine, specifically optimized for low-altitude flight. Launching this engine into mass production is expected to significantly increase missile output. Currently, the sole foreign component in the missile is its inertial navigation system. The majority of critical parts, including:
- the engine,
- actuators,
- antennas,
- and control units
are already produced in Ukraine. Most elements of the missile are the work of Ukrainian engineers, showcasing the country's growing defense-industrial capabilities.
Denis Shtilerman emphasized: 'Once we transition to our own engine, we will produce as many as are ordered from us.'
These plans signal the company's intent to substantially expand production capacity and meet market demand for high-quality military technology. The development of domestic cruise missile production is a key element of Ukraine's strategy to bolster its defense self-sufficiency amid ongoing conflict.
Advancing the production of cruise missiles represents a crucial step in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. Shifting to a proprietary engine will not only boost output volumes but also reduce reliance on imported components. This move could positively impact the economy and foster technological progress within Ukraine's defense sector.