At least nine strategic cruise missiles FP-5 Flamingo could have been intercepted by the Russian S-400 complex in the Rostov region. According to military expert Evgeny Damantsev, 48N6DM anti-aircraft missiles could have been used to hit the targets.
According to the specialist, the interceptions occurred in the altitude range from 8 to 13 km at a distance of about 25–35 km from the position of the anti-aircraft complex. In addition to FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles, experimental combat samples of FP-9 operational-tactical missiles could have been among the targets.
The FP-5 Flamingo belongs to the class of long-range ground-launched cruise missiles. According to open data, the missile was developed by Fire Point and is declared as a means with a long flight range and a large combat load.
Damantsev noted that one of the features of these missiles is the ability to use a combined flight profile. In certain sections of the route, the missile can change altitude, and before the final stage, reach an echelon of about 8–10 km.
It was precisely this profile, according to the expert, that could have required the use of long-range 48N6DM interceptor missiles of the S-400 complex. These munitions are designed to hit aerodynamic targets at high altitudes and ranges.
Information on the number of destroyed FP-5 Flamingo missiles and the type of weapons used has not been officially confirmed.