Summary of "Neptune and Flamingo missiles launched successful strikes on Russian arms depots- Zelenskiy confirms"

Ukrainian Use of Long-Range Missiles and Drone Warfare

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has confirmed the operational deployment of Ukraine’s long-range Neptune and Flamingo missiles in strikes against Russian targets. Over the past week, these missile systems have been used more consistently, moving beyond isolated incidents to achieve successful hits on Russian ammunition depots.

Missile Systems Details

Flamingo Missile
- Developed by Firepoint Company
- Range: up to 3,000 km
- Currently in serial production
Neptune Missile
- Upgraded version with a current range of 400 km
- Expected to extend to 1,000 km soon
- Recently unveiled land-attack version with enhanced warhead and range

Drone Warfare Escalation

Ukraine has also demonstrated significant advancements in drone warfare capabilities:

Successfully used the Ruda missile drone to strike a sea platform over 250 km away
Conducted a major operation involving up to 300 Ludi firepoint drones

These developments signal a notable escalation in Ukraine’s use of missile and drone technology against Russian targets.

U.S. Support: Tomahawk Cruise Missiles

The United States is reportedly preparing to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, specifically the advanced BGM109E Block 4 variants. These missiles feature:

Electro-optical sensors
Enhanced evasion capabilities against Russian air defense systems
Ability to evade both pre-known and “sleeper” air defense radars

Operational Control and Implications

The operation and targeting of Tomahawk missiles are expected to be controlled by U.S. personnel.
This arrangement could escalate the international dimension of the conflict.

Russian Response and Defense Measures

Russian analysts stress the urgent need for Moscow to strengthen its layered air defense system to counter the Tomahawk threat. Recommended measures include:

Deployment of advanced radars
Use of A50U AAX aircraft
Deployment of Su-35 squadrons equipped with long-range R37M missiles

Despite the Tomahawk’s subsonic speed and larger radar signature compared to other Western missiles like Storm Shadow, its anti-ship versions pose a significant threat to Russian naval forces in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea if launched from Ukrainian territory.

NATO and Political Reactions

NATO countries are reportedly prepared to finance the purchase of Tomahawk missiles for Ukraine, pending U.S. approval.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he has made a decision to supply these missiles but seeks clarification from Kyiv on their intended use and deployment locations.

Russian Leadership Warnings

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov have warned that supplying Tomahawks to Ukraine would severely damage Russia-U.S. relations.
They have vowed a strong response to any such move.