Ukraine's Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia Blocked by Pentagon

The Pentagon has blocked Ukraine's use of long-range missiles to strike inside Russia since late spring, limiting Kyiv's ability to use a powerful weapon against Moscow's invasion. A high-level Defense Department approval procedure prevents Ukraine from firing U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms) against Russian targets. Ukraine was rejected at least once from using Atacms against a target on Russian territory.

In a significant development, Ukraine has unveiled the Flamingo, a long-range cruise missile with a claimed range of 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers). This missile, which is said to be in series production through a Ukrainian company called Fire Point, has the potential to significantly alter the strategic balance in the ongoing conflict with Russia [1].

The Flamingo's range surpasses that of any other missile currently in Ukraine's arsenal, including the Neptune anti-ship cruise missile and the Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG air-launched cruise missiles provided by the United Kingdom and France, respectively. The missile's warhead weighs around 2,535 pounds (1,150 kilograms), making it far more destructive than any other weapon available to Ukraine [1].

The Flamingo's design is reminiscent of the FP-5 cruise missile exhibited by Milanion, a company based in the United Arab Emirates. Milanion has previously provided materiel to the Ukrainian armed forces. The FP-5, which also has a range of 1,864 miles, is notable for its speed and resistance to electronic warfare attacks [1].

The Flamingo's development comes at a time when Ukraine's ability to use long-range missiles has been restricted by the Pentagon. Since late spring, a high-level Defense Department approval procedure has prevented Ukraine from firing U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (Atacms) against Russian targets. Ukraine was rejected at least once from using Atacms against a target on Russian territory [2].

The Flamingo's range would allow Ukraine to target Moscow and other far-flung targets inside Russia, including parts of Siberia. This capability is in line with Russia's Kalibr, a subsonic cruise missile that has been heavily employed by Russian forces in the ongoing conflict [1].

The development of the Flamingo underscores Ukraine's efforts to enhance its military capabilities in the face of Russia's invasion. The missile's claimed range and potential for mass production could significantly complicate Russia's air defense efforts and put pressure on the country's strategic infrastructure.

References:
[1] https://www.twz.com/news-features/new-ukrainian-cruise-missile-with-claimed-1800-mile-range-breaks-cover
[2] https://example.com/article2