A significant development in the defense landscape has emerged as a Ukrainian arms manufacturer, Fire Point, prepares to produce a key component of its newly unveiled long-range cruise missile, the Flamingo, in Denmark. According to confidential communications obtained by Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), Fire Point’s Danish subsidiary, FPRT, will focus on manufacturing the missile’s solid rocket fuel. This fuel plays a critical role in the booster that propels the missile upon launch.
Production is set to commence in December at a facility in Vojens, strategically located near Skrydstrup Air Force Station, which hosts Denmark’s F-35 fighter fleet. This timing coincides with Denmark’s recent authorization allowing Ukrainian defense firms to establish operations within the country to provide support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Danish government has reportedly allocated 500 million Danish kroner (approximately $780 million) for this initiative, which is anticipated to generate hundreds of local jobs and bolster the defense sector.
Danish Minister of Industry, Business, and Financial Affairs, Morten Bødskov, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “With today’s signing, we are now taking another important step together towards bringing Ukrainian defense companies to Denmark. In this way, we can share experiences and give a push to the Danish defense industry, while supporting the production of defense material for the Ukrainians’ brave fight for freedom.”
The Flamingo missile, recently unveiled to the public, boasts an impressive range of 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) and has already begun serial production. Reports indicate that it has been successfully deployed to attack a Russian FSB base in Crimea. Its construction primarily from fiberglass provides a tactical advantage by making it harder for Russian radar systems to detect.
Experts, including Karsten Marrup from the Danish Defense Academy, have expressed that the Flamingo could serve multiple offensive purposes against Russian targets, including oil and gas facilities, arms manufacturing sites, and command-and-control centers. Marrup emphasized the missile’s capability to undermine Russian operations significantly, stating, “You can hit the Russians on the wallet, you can hit their ability to produce weapons, and you can hit their ability to control their forces when they are in combat.”
Despite the strategic importance of the new facility, concerns have been raised regarding the potential threat of Russian retaliation. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen has downplayed these fears, asserting that the government is closely monitoring risks of sabotage and espionage. To address local apprehensions, a public information session is slated for September 6, and officials are considering compensation strategies for residents potentially impacted by the facility’s operations.
Ukrainian Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, reflected on this collaborative effort, stating, “One year ago, Denmark became the first country to start funding the production of weapons by Ukrainian manufacturers. Today, Denmark has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its own defense technologies for manufacturing, scaling, and delivery to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.” This initiative not only aims to strengthen Ukrainian defense capabilities but also marks a significant step in international cooperation in the defense industry.
