Flamingo: Ukrainian missile of foreign origin
A few days ago, Ukraine showed its new land-based cruise missile called "Flamingo" for the first time. It is claimed that this product has the highest tactical and technical characteristics and combat qualities. However, the specific appearance of this missile raises a lot of questions and doubts of various kinds. In addition, even the Ukrainian origin of this weapons.
New sample
The emergence of a new missile system in Ukraine became known on August 17. Ukrainian sources revealed the very fact of the existence of the "Flamingo" product, and also named the main characteristics of such a missile. In addition, they published a photograph of several products and a short video showing the launch of the missile.
It is claimed that the Flamingo missile was developed by the Ukrainian company Fire Point, which previously produced only traditional-looking UAVs. By now, the company has managed to complete all the main work on the new complex and even brought it to serial production.
The first serial missiles were recently transferred to the Ukrainian armed formations. It is reported that the first attempts to use them in combat have already taken place. Thus, the published video shows an alleged combat launch at a real Russian target. However, the results of this strike attempt are not reported - probably due to their absence.
Ukrainian sources claim that the Flamingo has high tactical, technical and combat characteristics. The flight range of this missile reaches 3000 km. There is a warhead weighing 1150 kg on board. Other details of the project have not yet been officially specified.
Much hope is being placed on the new cruise missile, as is the case with a number of other weapons. Ukrainian and foreign propaganda claims that such a system is capable of attacking and destroying Russian targets at a great distance from the combat zone. Maps are published showing the Flamingo's kill zone extending to the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Omsk Oblast.
Rocket launch using a solid-fuel booster. Photo Zn.ua
However, all published information about the Flamingo raises serious doubts. The real origin of this project, the real characteristics of the complex and its real combat capabilities raise questions. Apparently, reality is far from the statements of the Ukrainian side.
Foreign footprint
In February of this year, the UAE hosted the next military-industrial exhibition IDEX-2025. At this event, the British-Emirati group of companies Milanion Group presented materials on its new development for the first time - the FP-5 land-based cruise missile.
The exhibition showed a model of a missile with a specific appearance, and also revealed the calculated tactical and technical characteristics. In essence, a heavy "missile aircraft" with a high subsonic flight speed and a range of up to 3000 km was proposed.
The Milanion Group reported its readiness for serial production of missiles. It was stated that it could produce 50 munitions per month using its existing capacities. However, nothing was reported about the availability of orders for the delivery of such systems.
It should be noted that the Milanion Group has some connections with Ukraine. Thus, since 2022-23, it has been cooperating with some Ukrainian organizations, and through them it supplies its products or products from third-party manufacturers. Until recently, it was about robotic complexes and some types artillery.
Judging by the last news, now the British-Emirati company has established cooperation in the field of rocket technology. Its FP-5 rocket has arrived in Ukraine and changed its name. In addition, this product has a new developer and manufacturer.
Overall, a rather interesting picture is emerging. Great Britain intends to support Ukraine in the military-technical sphere, but does not want to supply it with weapons directly. For this reason, a joint venture with the UAE is used, through which ready-made missile systems or documentation for their manufacture are transferred to Kyiv.
It is quite clear why such a scheme was built. With its help, Great Britain can transport long-range weapons with increased potential to Ukraine, but formally remain on the sidelines. If necessary, all responsibility can be shifted to Ukraine or to a British-Emirati joint venture.
Technical features
The FP-5 or Flamingo is a ground-based medium-range missile system. It consists of a large-sized and heavy cruise missile, a towed launcher for it, and a set of various means and systems for launch preparation and combat use.
The cruise missile is made according to a normal aerodynamic scheme. It has a cylindrical fuselage and a wing of small sweep. In the tail section, above the fuselage, there is an engine nacelle. Next to it is an X-shaped stabilizer with rudders.
The FP-5 missile (and, accordingly, the Flamingo) has a wingspan of 6 m. The length of the product is probably twice as much. The launch weight is up to 6 tons. Of this, about 1 ton is the warhead.
The munition is launched from an inclined guide using a solid-fuel booster. The flight is carried out by a turbojet engine of an unnamed model. With its help, the speed reaches 900-950 km/h. The maximum flight range is 3 thousand km. The missile can rise to a height of 5 km.
Model of the FP-5 rocket at the IDEX-2025 exhibition. Photo Bmpd.livejournal.com
FP-5 has an autopilot that operates according to a preset program. Inertial and interference-protected satellite systems are used for navigation.
The missile uses a launcher based on a car trailer. Such a trailer with a missile on it is moved by a tractor-trailer with the necessary characteristics. The installation has an inclined guide and a number of other devices. Preparation for the launch of the missile after arrival at the position takes from 20 to 40 minutes.
It can be assumed that the large-sized missile is transported partially disassembled and, possibly, with empty fuel tanks. Once in position, the wing is attached to it, fueling is carried out, and other procedures are carried out. This is why preparation for launch takes tens of minutes.
Dubious development
According to the developers, the "Ukrainian" cruise missile "Flamingo" has high tactical and technical characteristics and combat qualities. However, its technical appearance shows that such estimates are far from reality. The actual potential of such a missile system is not very high.
The only advantages of the FP-5 product are its long range and heavy warhead. These characteristics make it stand out from various modern missile systems, including those in service with Ukraine. However, other design features will not allow it to realize its potential in terms of range and combat load.
It is easy to see that high flight and combat characteristics are achieved due to the large size and weight. At the same time, the design of the missile is distinguished by a certain simplicity, and it does not provide for any measures to reduce visibility.
From the point of view of anti-aircraft weapons and systems, the Flamingo is a subsonic aerodynamic target with a fairly large effective scattering surface. Detecting and destroying such an object will not be associated with any difficulties. Modern Russian radars and air defense systems successfully cope with more complex targets.
The FP-5 is equipped with a control system that allows it to attack only stationary targets with known coordinates. At the same time, satellite navigation is subject to interference, and inertial navigation limits the accuracy of the hit. The actual accuracy of such a missile should be significantly lower than expected. Hitting small objects will be virtually impossible.
However, it should be taken into account that Ukraine will try to use the new missiles for further terrorist strikes on cities or civilian objects. In this case, the Flamingo does not require high accuracy - any hit within a populated area will be sensitive.
Predictable outcome
Thus, foreign partners and patrons have once again decided to help Ukraine by supplying missile weapons, but this time they are disguising it as a local development. It is claimed that the Flamingo product has passed all stages of development and has already been brought to series production and combat use.
However, the real potential of such a cruise missile is highly questionable. Modern Defense will cope with it without difficulty, and a breakthrough to the designated target is unlikely. In addition, it should be expected that the Russian army will try to detect and destroy not only the missile systems, but also their storage and production sites.
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