Ukraine Launches New ‘Flamingo’ Missile, Surpassing Tomahawk Power

Ukraine has unveiled a new missile system, known as the **Flamingo**, which is reported to be more powerful than the widely used **Tomahawk** missile. This advanced cruise missile is capable of carrying a payload of **1,150 kg** and boasts an impressive range of **3,000 km**, nearly double that of the Tomahawk, which can strike targets up to **1,000 miles** away. The announcement was made by Ukrainian President **Volodymyr Zelensky** as the country continues to face significant military challenges.

The Flamingo missile has already demonstrated its capabilities in combat, achieving successful strikes on Russian bases. These operations reportedly resulted in the destruction of six hovercraft and left craters exceeding **30 feet** in width. Additionally, the missile has been deployed against Russian oil refineries, amplifying its strategic importance in the ongoing conflict. This development comes as the United States appears hesitant to supply additional missile systems, further emphasizing the significance of Ukraine’s domestic production efforts.

Cost-Effective and Efficient Production

Designed by Ukrainian manufacturer **Fire Point**, the Flamingo missile is touted as a more economical alternative to Western missile systems. The company emphasizes the use of low-cost materials in its construction, with some referring to it as a “junkyard” missile. The Flamingo’s external engine design enables the attachment of various objects for propulsion. Notably, the missile’s warhead is a repurposed Soviet **FAB-1000** aircraft bomb, allowing Ukraine to leverage its existing stockpiles.

Fire Point is currently producing one Flamingo missile per day, with plans to ramp up production to seven per day by the end of the year. Should they reach this target, it would surpass the combined output of U.S. and Russian cruise missile manufacturing. In stark contrast, the Tomahawk missile carries a hefty price tag of **$2.1 million** each, with the U.S. Navy only able to budget for **40** units at a time. Fire Point claims the Flamingo costs just one-fifth of the price of a Tomahawk, making it a more sustainable option for Ukraine’s military operations.

Technical Comparisons and Implications

While the Tomahawk missile is known for its ability to skim the surface, making it difficult to intercept, the Flamingo’s larger size and greater range provide Ukraine with a formidable asset. The Tomahawk can strike within **14 feet** of its target, while the Flamingo is said to have a similar precision, landing within **14 metres** of its intended mark. This combination of range, payload capacity, and cost-effectiveness positions the Flamingo as a significant advancement for Ukraine’s defense strategy.

As the conflict with Russia continues, Ukraine’s development of the Flamingo missile highlights its commitment to enhancing its military capabilities while navigating financial constraints. This new weapon system not only demonstrates technological innovation but also underscores the resilience of Ukraine’s defense industry in the face of adversity.