Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky recently showcased the “Long Neptune” cruise missile, a variant of the original R-360 Neptune, which boasts a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and is being actively used in combat against Russia. This domestically produced missile allows Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, a strategic move aimed at pressuring the Kremlin and targeting critical assets like oil facilities. Simultaneously, Ukraine is also ramping up the production of its new “Flamingo” cruise missile, which has an estimated range of 3,000 kilometers, to further enhance its long-range strike capabilities. These developments come amid ongoing conflict, with recent overnight strikes by Russia targeting Kyiv and other regions, resulting in casualties and prompting responses from both sides.
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The 9M729 ground-launched cruise missile, a weapon whose development prompted the U.S. to withdraw from the INF Treaty, has been fired at Ukraine on multiple occasions, according to Ukrainian officials. This missile, which has a reported range of up to 1,200 kilometers, was banned under the 1987 treaty. The use of this missile in Ukraine has been interpreted as confirmation of previous concerns about Russia’s compliance and the need for the U.S. to leave the treaty. The recent strikes on Ukraine have further opened the door for new defense developments in the U.S.
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Ukraine has revealed a new Neptune cruise missile variant featuring bulges likely for increased fuel capacity, suggesting an extended range. This missile, distinct from the longer-range Long Neptune, was showcased to Western dignitaries alongside other domestically developed weapons systems. The Neptune family, originally designed for anti-ship roles, has become crucial for striking targets inside Russia, with existing versions reportedly hitting over 50 Russian targets in the past year. This continued development of the Neptune family is part of a larger push by Ukraine to enhance its domestic arms production.
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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 is preparing to mass-produce a new long-range cruise missile, nicknamed the Flamingo, with a range of approximately 3,000 kilometers. Developed by the Ukrainian firm Fire Point, the missile boasts a warhead weighing over a ton and a flight time of around four hours, with a maximum speed of nearly 560 mph. This domestically produced missile, free from the restrictions placed on Western-supplied weapons, is expected to be a significant asset in Ukraine’s defense efforts, potentially targeting Russian assets far beyond the front lines. Production is currently at one missile a day, with plans to increase the production numbers by December.
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Ukraine ‘begins’ serial production of 3,000 km-range cruise missile: It seems, just based on the announcement, that Ukraine is ready to unleash a new weapon on the world stage, specifically targeting Russia. The implication here is that they’ve had these missiles for a while and are now ready to deploy them in significant numbers. It’s like a warning shot, a declaration that they now possess the means to strike deep within Russia and potentially cripple its economy and military infrastructure. The sentiment is clear: this is a game changer, a chance to inflict serious damage, and it’s exciting to see what happens next.… Continue reading
On August 14, 2025, Ukraine revealed its domestically produced Flamingo cruise missile, boasting a range exceeding 3,000 kilometers. The missile, now in mass production, was photographed at Fire Point, a leading Ukrainian defense company, although the exact location remains undisclosed. The project was developed by Fire Point. Further details surrounding the Flamingo missile have not been released.
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Ukraine’s newly deployed Neptune cruise missile, boasting a range exceeding 600 miles, has successfully struck targets deep within Russia, including an oil refinery near President Putin’s residence. This combat-proven missile, years in development, places Moscow within its striking distance. The successful deployment comes amidst tense ceasefire negotiations involving the U.S., and despite Russia’s rejection of the proposed terms, the development significantly alters the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
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During a massive Russian missile attack on December 13, 2024, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot achieved a remarkable feat by destroying six cruise missiles in a single sortie. This involved using both air-to-air missiles and, for the first time in combat, the aircraft’s gun to down two missiles in a stacked formation. The pilot’s success, exceeding initial American expectations, contributed to the overall interception of 81 Russian missiles that day, with F-16 pilots accounting for eleven. This extraordinary performance highlights the skill of Ukrainian pilots even with older aircraft.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood