(KYIV) – Ukrainian Defence Forces struck the VNIIR-Progress plant in Cheboksary, Russia, overnight using domestically produced FP-5 Flamingo missiles, according to a senior defence official.
Serhii Sternenko, advisor to the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, confirmed the strike in a statement on the X social network. The facility manufactures antennas designed to shield Russian missiles and drones from electronic warfare systems.
“Tonight, the Defence Forces struck VNIIR-Progress in Cheboksary and the Kuibyshev Refinery in Samara. Cheboksary was hit with FP-5 Flamingo missiles. The Progress plant manufactures electromechanical drives, hydraulic systems, and control systems for heavy equipment, ranging from Iskander missile systems,” Sternenko wrote.
Residents of Cheboksary filmed the flight of one of the Flamingo missiles during the attack.
The VNIIR-Progress plant produces the Kometa-M jam resistant satellite navigation antennas, which provide navigation for Russian strike weapons. These components are used in Shahed type drones, guided aerial bombs, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles, Kh-101 cruise missiles and Iskander ballistic missiles. The facility had previously been struck on the night of 5 May by units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including the 19th Missile Brigade, using FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles and long range drones.
The Kuibyshev Refinery in Samara, located more than 900 kilometres from the front line, was also attacked on the night of 10 June. The refinery, part of Rosneft, is one of the largest in the region, producing more than 30 types of petroleum products and possessing a capacity of approximately 7 million tons per year.
The FP-5 Flamingo missile, manufactured by Ukrainian company Fire Point, has an operational range of up to 3,000 kilometres, enabling it to target deep within Russian territory. It carries a 1,150 kilogram warhead, reaches maximum speeds of 950 kilometres per hour and operates at low altitudes to avoid radar detection. The missile features satellite aided inertial navigation resistant to radar jamming and costs approximately $500,000 (approximately 41.5 million Russian roubles) per unit.
Footage of the strike was filmed by local residents in Cheboksary, Chuvashia Republic, Russia. The operation was carried out by units of the Ukrainian Defence Forces.