Ukraine introduced its new long-range cruise missile “Flamingo” on August 22, 2025, marking a significant step in strengthening its defense capabilities amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. The missile, capable of carrying a 1,150-kilogram warhead and reaching a distance of up to 3,000 kilometers, is designed to withstand Russian electronic warfare systems. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that mass production is expected to begin at the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Mass production to reach 200 missiles per month
According to Iryna Terekh, CEO of the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point, the Flamingo is already in serial production and is expected to scale up to about 200 units per month. The development reflects the ability of Ukraine’s defense industry not only to design but also to quickly expand the manufacturing of advanced, high-tech systems, despite limited financial and technical resources. The country has previously launched serial production of its own ballistic missile, the “Sapsan.”
Expanding strike capability deep into Russia
The introduction of Flamingo expands Ukraine’s ability to strike industrial and military targets deep inside Russia, raising the costs of Moscow’s aggression. By making the war tangible for Russian society and economy, not just frontline regions, Kyiv aims to alter the strategic balance. Missile technology expert Hoffmann noted that a stockpile of 3,000 to 5,000 Flamingos could potentially destroy more than 25% of Russia’s economic production.
Boosting defense autonomy and foreign interest
Ukraine’s defense industry is increasingly able to cover up to 40% of the army’s needs through domestic production, enhancing operational autonomy and flexibility on the battlefield. Beyond military benefits, this progress is drawing international attention. The government plans to attract up to $5 billion in investment into industrial and infrastructure projects, including the defense sector. The success of programs such as Flamingo is viewed not only as an emergency wartime measure but also as a long-term investment in Ukraine’s future defense capabilities.
