Ukraine to Ramp Up Production of 'Flamingo' Missiles, President Zelenskyy Announces.

Expanding 'Flamingo' Missile Production

According to UATV: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on February 25, 2023, that Ukraine plans to significantly increase its domestic production of 'Flamingo' missiles. This announcement comes as Ukraine continues to develop its own long-range strike capabilities to counter Russian forces. The news follows a recent successful military operation involving these weapons.

Strike on the Votkinsk Plant

In the early hours of February 21, 2023, Ukrainian forces struck the Votkinsk Plant in Udmurtia, Russia, using 'Flamingo' missiles. This facility is a key producer of Russian missiles, including the 'Iskander', 'Topol-M', and 'Oreshnik' systems. President Zelenskyy confirmed the missiles successfully hit their target at a distance of 1,400 kilometers.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 'There were precise strikes by 'Flamingo' missiles at a range of 1,400 kilometers.'

The President further emphasized the effectiveness of the strike, stating that every missile launched reached its intended objective:

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: 'All the missiles that were launched, all of them reached the target.'

He declined, however, to disclose the exact number of missiles used in the attack, saying, 'I will not say how many 'Flamingos' struck this time.'

This planned expansion of 'Flamingo' missile production is likely linked to recent military operations and the ongoing need to bolster Ukraine's defensive and offensive capabilities. The development of such indigenous weaponry is a critical component of Ukraine's long-term defense strategy.

The decision to scale up production underscores a strategic shift towards greater military self-reliance and the ability to conduct deep-strike operations. The successful long-range attack demonstrates the system's operational value against high-priority targets, potentially signaling a more active phase in Ukraine's military campaign to degrade Russian logistics and manufacturing.