Safran guidance system integrated on Ukraine’s Flamingo missile: Le Monde

Ukraine’s Flamingo long-range cruise missile is guided by a system supplied by French aerospace and defense group Safran, according to Le Monde. 

The French daily reported that officials from Ukraine and Safran confirmed their cooperation over the past year during Eurosatory 2026. 

Developed by Ukrainian manufacturer Fire Point, the Flamingo has a claimed range of 3,000 kilometers (1,860 miles) and carries a 1,150-kilogram (2,535-pound) warhead. The missile has been used to strike strategic targets deep inside Russia, according to Ukraine. 

Its first reported combat use targeted an FSB outpost and patrol boat base near Armyansk in Crimea, and Fire Point has since released footage of test firings and combat launches, saying the missile is in serial production at a protected facility in the Carpathians. 

Fire Point made a prominent appearance at Eurosatory, where the company showcased its long-range strike systems to international defense officials and industry representatives. 

Large screens at its stand displayed near real-time footage of strikes inside Russia using the company’s weapons to highlight the operational role of Fire Point’s systems as they were being marketed abroad.  

Fire Point stand at Eurosatory 2026 (Credit: AeroTime)

RELATED

France picks Safran-MBDA Thundart for Army rocket artillery

AASM purchases in return 

According to Le Monde, Kyiv agreed to purchase AASM Hammer guided bombs to arm its fighter jets in exchange for Safran’s support in developing its domestic long-range strike capabilities. 

The AASM Hammer, produced by Safran Electronics & Defense, is a modular guidance and range-extension kit adaptable to different bomb types with a range of more than 70 kilometers.  

Safran AASM Hammer guidance kits at Eurosatory 2026 (Credit: AeroTime)

France has supplied AASM Hammer weapons to Ukraine since 2024. The weapon was integrated on Ukrainian MiG-29, Su-24 and Su-25 aircraft in under four months. It can also be used with the Mirage 2000-5 that France provided to Ukraine.  

Safran’s Montluçon plant raised output from 830 kits in 2024 to a target of 1,200 in 2025 to keep pace with demand in Ukraine and France. 

The wider Safran footprint in Ukraine 

Safran lists Fire Point, which manufactures long-range strike drones alongside the Flamingo cruise missile, among its “neo prime” customers. 

In total, the group reports that more than 10 of its products are already fielded in Ukraine, including navigation tools, optronics, and counter-drone systems.  

Safran.AI, a subsidiary of Safran Electronics & Defense formerly known as Preligens, has also been contracted to provide a data fusion platform to Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) for the analysis of French satellite imagery.  The post Safran guidance system integrated on Ukraine’s Flamingo missile: Le Monde appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source