In a significant military advancement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Wednesday that Ukraine successfully targeted a Russian military industrial facility using locally manufactured cruise missiles, which traveled nearly 900 miles to their destination. This marks a notable achievement in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defense capabilities.
Ukrainian officials previously reported that the missile strike occurred on Saturday at a plant located in Votkinsk, an industrial town in Russia’s Udmurt Republic, approximately 860 miles from Ukraine’s border. “We carried out precise strikes with Flamingo missiles at a range of 1,400 kilometers,” Zelenskyy stated during a press conference in Kyiv. “I believe this is truly a success for our industry.”
This attack is one of the longest-range operations conducted to date by the Flamingo, which is recognized as a leading product in Ukraine’s domestic defense manufacturing sector. Kyiv is aggressively expanding its weapons production to complement Western support and establish a future export market.
The targeted Votkinsk plant is responsible for producing some of Russia’s critical munitions, including ballistic missiles for the Iskander system and the submarine-launched Bulava missile.
While Russia has not officially confirmed the strike, Alexander Brechalov, the governor of the Udmurt Republic, stated on Saturday that an unnamed facility in the area had been attacked, resulting in three individuals being hospitalized. Brechalov did not specify whether the Flamingo missile was employed but cautioned about potential drone threats in the region.
Subsequent to the attack, Ukrainian open-source groups released satellite images that appeared to indicate damage to one of the workshops at the Votkinsk factory, revealing a significant hole in its roof and evidence of fire impact. That evening, Kyiv launched a substantial wave of drones and missiles into Russia, marking one of its largest ever long-range attacks.
Russia’s defense ministry reported intercepting 77 Ukrainian drones on Saturday but did not address any threats posed by Ukrainian missiles. Zelenskyy declined to disclose the total number of missiles or drones launched on that day but remarked, “There were interceptions by Russian air defense, there were also missiles that were not intercepted, and there were direct hits. But the most important thing is that all the missiles that were launched reached their target.”
Kyiv has frequently compared the Flamingo to the US-manufactured Tomahawk, emphasizing that the Ukrainian turbofan-powered missile is less expensive to produce per unit and has a greater range of 1,900 miles. However, preparing the ground-launched Flamingo for launch takes up to 40 minutes.
Ukraine is also focused on increasing its stockpile of the missile, with reports from last October indicating that its manufacturer, FirePoint, aimed to produce up to seven units daily by the end of 2025. Earlier this month, Kyiv noted that manufacturing had experienced disruptions due to a recent Russian attack, with Zelenskyy highlighting the need to “work on increasing quantity” of the Flamingo.
“We faced certain technical issues because one significant production line was destroyed in a missile strike. They have since relocated and resumed production,” Zelenskyy had mentioned at the time.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine targeted a Russian military plant with locally made Flamingo missiles.
- The strike occurred at the Votkinsk facility, significant for producing critical munitions.
- The launch of these missiles demonstrates advancements in Ukraine’s defense technology.
- Russia did not confirm the hit but acknowledged damage to a facility in the region.
- Ukraine aims to expand its arms manufacturing capabilities in the wake of the conflict.
- The Flamingo missile is seen as a cost-effective alternative to other long-range missiles.
FAQ
What is the Flamingo missile?
The Flamingo is a Ukrainian-made cruise missile known for its long range and cost-efficient production.
Where was the missile strike conducted?
The strike targeted a military industrial plant in Votkinsk, Russia, approximately 860 miles from Ukraine.
How has the attack been received?
The attack was touted as a success for Ukrainian defense advancements, though Russia has not confirmed damage.
What challenges has Ukraine faced in missile production?
Ukraine’s missile production has faced interruptions due to damage from Russian strikes but is being restored.
What is the future of the Flamingo missile?
Ukraine is working to enhance its production of the Flamingo missile, aiming for increased daily output by 2025.
