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War-torn Ukraine develops cruise missile Europe’s industry сouldn’t build, says Austrian expert
Colonel Markus Reisner, head of the Officer Training Institute at the Theresian Military Academy, says that over the past three and a half years, the European defense industry has produced nothing comparable to Ukraine’s FP-5 “Flamingo” cruise missile, UkrInform reports.
The Flamingo missile can carry a warhead weighing up to 1,150 kg over distances of up to 3,000 km. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that tests have been successful and that mass production will begin in January–February. He noted that it is currently Ukraine’s “most successful missile we have so far.”
FP-5 combined with FP-1 drones
Reisner emphasizes that for true effectiveness, the missile must be equipped with electronic countermeasure systems and decoys to bypass Russian air defense systems. Its maximum speed is 950 km/h, the cruising speed is 850–900 km/h, and the wingspan is 6 meters.
At the same time, it should be deployed alongside massive FP-1 drone strikes, which help penetrate Russian air defenses.
Mass production of Ukraine’s new FP-5 Flamingo missiles — reportedly with a 3,000 km range and a 1,000 kg warhead.
— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) August 21, 2025Channel5UA pic.twitter.com/lclbyN0NZJ
Ukraine plans to produce 3,000 FP-1 drones per month, roughly 100 units per day, matching Russia’s daily output of Geran-2 drones. Due to its lightweight, low-cost design, each FP-1 costs €50–60k, which is relatively cheap.
“Flamingo” sends strategic signal to the Kremlin amid peace talks
According to Reisner, Ukraine is signaling its readiness to seize the initiative ahead of potential new rounds of negotiations.
“The message to Russia is clear: we will soon deliver massive strikes deep inside Russian territory,” the expert adds.