Ukraine says its homegrown Flamingo missiles flew nearly 900 miles to strike an Iskander factory deep inside Russia
Business Insider
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ukraine has achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities by successfully deploying its domestically developed Flamingo missiles to strike a key Russian military facility deep inside Russia. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, these locally produced missiles traveled nearly 900 miles to hit the Votkinsk plant in Russia's Udmurt Republic, which is involved in manufacturing critical munitions for systems like the Iskander and Bulava missiles. This strike represents one of the longest-range operations conducted by Ukraine so far, showcasing the effectiveness of its homegrown defense technology.
The Flamingo missile, a turbofan-powered cruise missile, has been highlighted as a cost-effective alternative to Western counterparts like the Tomahawk. While it boasts a longer range of up to 1,900 miles and achieved a direct hit despite Russian air defenses, its production is still being scaled up. Ukrainian officials have emphasized the importance of expanding domestic defense manufacturing to complement Western supplies and potentially position Ukraine as an exporter in the future.
The attack on Saturday was part of a broader offensive involving drones and missiles, with Kyiv launching a large-scale wave of strikes. Although Russia reported intercepting 77 drones, it did not confirm any missile threats or damage to the Votkinsk plant. Satellite images later revealed apparent damage to the facility, including fire and structural collapse. This operation underscores Ukraine's growing confidence in its defense capabilities and its ability to target high-value Russian military assets.
Ukraine's focus on domestic production has been critical amid challenges from Russian strikes targeting its manufacturing infrastructure. Despite setbacks, such as a recent attack that disrupted production lines, Kyiv remains committed to increasing the quantity and efficiency of Flamingo missile manufacturing. With FirePoint, the missile's manufacturer, aiming to produce up to seven units daily by 2025, Ukraine is betting on its homegrown defense industry to play a pivotal role in both the current conflict and future strategic exports.
For businesses and investors, Ukraine's rapid development of advanced defense technology highlights its potential as a key player in the global arms market. The success of the Flamingo missile not only bolsters Ukraine's defensive capabilities but also positions it as a potential supplier for other nations seeking cost-effective and innovative military solutions. As the conflict evolves, Ukraine's ability to sustain and expand
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/26/2026