In a cloaked operation, Ukraine is intensifying its arms manufacturing with a new focus on creating long-range cruise missiles such as the Flamingo. These missiles, intended for penetrating strikes against Russia, have a range of up to 3,000 km. As part of heightened security measures, visitors to the production site are blindfolded, and strict protocols are in place to preserve the secrecy of the location and the production process. With past attacks on the company's facilities, the dispersion and concealment of these sites are deemed crucial for continued weapon development.
President Volodymyr Zelensky highlights that over half of the weapons used on the front lines are domestically produced, signifying a shift from Ukraine's initial reliance on Soviet-era arms. The country now stands at the forefront of advancements in unmanned systems, including drones and robotic technologies, complemented by these newly developed cruise missiles to extend its long-range strike capabilities.
Iryna Terekh, the chief technical officer for Fire Point, oversees the production of these missiles, which are strategically painted black as a symbolic reference to consuming Russian oil. The Flamingo, resembling Germany's V1 rocket from World War II, is powered by a large jet engine and is designed for impactful operations, although specific combat engagements remain undisclosed.
Such deep-strike weapons have seen reluctance from Western nations in terms of supply, yet they remain critical to counteracting the challenges in the prolonged conflict, where Ukraine aims to disrupt Russia's economic and military infrastructure. General Oleksandr Syrskyi notes that these long-range strikes have already inflicted significant economic damage on Russia's war efforts.
Special Operations officer Ruslan emphasizes the strategic goal of these strikes: to diminish the adversary's military strength and economic capabilities. Despite facing a significant volume of Russian drone attacks daily, Ukraine persists in its counter-efforts, aiming not only to protect but also to strategically weaken its opponent.