By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukraine has begun deploying domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles in strikes against Russian territory, with production currently at two to three missiles per day and a planned increase to seven daily by the end of October. These missiles, with a range exceeding 3,000 km and a 1,150 kg warhead, utilize repurposed Soviet-era engines and a rapidly manufactured carbon fiber fuselage. If the Flamingo can effectively penetrate Russian air defenses, it could significantly enhance Ukraine’s deep strike capabilities, as evidenced by recent strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which have reportedly impacted up to 40% of Russia’s refining capacity. These strikes are also bolstered by Ukrainian drones, such as the Fire Point FP-1 and Liutyi, that have contributed to these attacks.
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Ukraine already using Flamingo missiles against Russia, expected to produce 7 per day soon, and it’s having an impact. There’s talk of refineries being targeted and Russia now importing diesel instead of exporting it, which is a pretty significant shift. The core of the discussion, though, revolves around the Flamingo missile itself, its use, and its production capabilities.
The current production rate is estimated at two to three missiles per day, with a planned increase to seven daily by the end of October. This is a bold move, but the open sharing of this information is what raises a few eyebrows. Why be so transparent? It could be a form of psychological warfare, a message to Russia essentially saying, “Your critical infrastructure isn’t safe.” Or perhaps it’s a way of signaling to Western allies that Ukraine is capable of manufacturing and deploying effective weaponry, bolstering confidence in their continued support.
Of course, there’s also the possibility that some of the information is, well, strategic messaging. In the realm of warfare, carefully crafted information plays a crucial role. Revealing details about the Flamingo could serve multiple purposes: intimidating the enemy, deterring them from further strikes, or even simply creating uncertainty and chaos in their strategic planning. The uncertainty itself can be a weapon.
The range of 3,000 km is notable, forcing Russia to stretch its defenses across a vast area. This might lead Russia to prioritize protecting key cities, but that can create its own problems with energy supplies and public image. So, it’s a careful balancing act.
One crucial aspect is the engine. These missiles supposedly utilize repurposed Soviet-era turbojet engines. The limited supply of these engines could potentially bottleneck production. However, Ukraine’s history as an aviation powerhouse in the USSR suggests they have the capabilities to manufacture or replicate these engines. Reports indicate Ukraine might be reconditioning thousands of older engines while also producing new ones. The availability of engines will be key for scaling up the missile production to the target of 7 per day.
Regarding concrete evidence of the Flamingo’s use, there are a few potential issues. Firstly, operational secrecy is critical. Ukraine has every reason to keep details about the missiles’ deployment, targets, and successes under wraps. This is especially important to avoid giving Russia any actionable intelligence that could lead to countermeasures. Second, the nature of modern warfare often means that the public doesn’t see all the details in real-time, with information sometimes only emerging months later.
Then there’s the reports of mixed results from initial tests. It’s tough to confirm any reliable information. Given the sensitivity of the situation, solid evidence might be intentionally suppressed. We need to consider the source of information and, especially, be wary of any official statements from either side, as they’re likely designed to serve their own strategic purposes. This is the fog of war, where misinformation and disinformation play a constant role.
Ultimately, what we’re seeing is part of a bigger picture. Ukraine is fighting a war not only with conventional weapons but also with information, strategy, and innovation. The Flamingo missile and its production are just one facet of this complex and evolving conflict. The aim is to create uncertainty and force Russia to spread resources, and potentially shift the balance of the war.