By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On the night of Nov. 13, Ukraine launched a series of long-range strikes against Russian military infrastructure in occupied Crimea, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and within Russia, utilizing domestically produced weapons, including Flamingo and Bars missiles. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that “several dozen” targets were hit to degrade Russia’s military and logistical capabilities. Key targets included oil storage facilities, airfields, and command posts, as well as sites inside Russia, the full extent of damage yet to be assessed. The Flamingo missile, lauded by President Zelensky, is reported to have a 3,000-kilometer range, while the company that produces the missile, Fire Point, is currently under investigation for allegedly inflating the value or number of the drones it delivers to the army.
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Ukraine confirms use of Flamingo missiles in strikes on Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, and targets inside Russia, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian General Staff has officially acknowledged the employment of domestically produced long-range weapons, specifically mentioning the Flamingo, along with other missile types and drones, in a series of overnight attacks on Russian military infrastructure. This news represents a clear step up in Kyiv’s offensive capabilities, showcasing a willingness and ability to strike deeper into territories previously considered relatively safe.
The report highlights that the strikes targeted “several dozen” locations with the intent to undermine Russia’s military, logistical, and economic capacity. It’s apparent that Ukraine is focusing on degrading Russia’s ability to wage war, targeting key assets and supply lines. The inclusion of the Flamingo, along with other domestically developed systems such as the Bars missiles and Liutyi drones, indicates a diversification of Ukraine’s offensive arsenal. This could present a more complex challenge for Russian air defenses.
The Flamingo cruise missile, in particular, has garnered considerable attention. With a reported range of 3,000 kilometers and a 1,150 kg warhead, along with satellite navigation, it’s designed to deliver a substantial payload over long distances. What’s also intriguing is its apparent design for mass production, potentially allowing Ukraine to produce these weapons in significant numbers. The use of an older jet engine from an L-39 trainer aircraft also seems like a clever move, potentially leveraging existing technology and simplifying production and maintenance.
The design of the Flamingo, with its relatively straightforward approach, seems to prioritize functionality and ease of construction. It appears that the engineering team went with a “keep it simple, stupid” (KISS) approach. This design philosophy may not prioritize stealth but it does offer the advantage of cost-effectiveness and mass production. By launching these missiles in coordinated salvos, the Ukrainians can increase their chances of hitting targets and reduce the effectiveness of Russian air defenses.
The recent confirmation of these strikes, including the use of the Flamingo, coincides with some interesting timing. Reports seem to indicate that the production of these weapons was previously discussed, and their deployment now, in the midst of other challenges, adds another layer to the narrative. The potential for these missiles to be used in conjunction with other weapon systems, including drones and other missile variants, could result in a significant impact on the battlefield.
The fact that Ukraine is targeting areas like Crimea and regions inside Russia signals a deliberate strategy to project force and put pressure on Moscow. By extending its reach, Ukraine is disrupting Russian operations, potentially affecting supply chains, and signaling resolve. While the exact damage assessments are yet to be fully realized, the confirmed use of the Flamingo represents a strategic shift in the conflict.
The use of this missile, and its potential impact, also brings up another point. It’s built around obsolete jet engines and appears to have a very basic radar profile. However, this simplicity may actually be an advantage. The ability to launch numerous missiles simultaneously, overwhelming air defenses and allowing a high percentage of them to achieve their objectives. The fact that they can carry a one-ton warhead makes the whole package extremely effective and potentially devastating.
The implications of this development are significant. It underscores Ukraine’s ingenuity in developing its own weapons systems and their resolve to protect their sovereignty. The use of a cost-effective system like the Flamingo, that can be mass produced, also signifies a smart adaptation, given the restrictions Ukraine has had in acquiring more sophisticated weaponry. The strikes themselves send a message about Ukraine’s capabilities and intent.
Ultimately, the confirmed use of Flamingo missiles in these strikes, coupled with its reported features and design, reflects a pragmatic approach to warfare. The aim appears to be maximizing the effectiveness of available resources. It demonstrates a capacity for innovation and adaptation on the part of the Ukrainian armed forces, and their commitment to defending the country.