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MBDA and Diehl Defense have signed agreements with Ukrainian companies to co-develop and produce Ukrainian-designed cruise missiles. The partnerships focus on the Neptune and Flamingo families for potential use in European arsenals.
thedailyblog.co.nzMBDA and Diehl Defense have entered partnerships with Ukrainian defense firms to develop and manufacture long-range cruise missiles originally designed in Ukraine. Diehl Defense plans to begin production of the Flamingo cruise missile in Germany. Company chief executive Helmut Rauch said talks with Fire Point, the Ukrainian manufacturer, are scheduled in the coming weeks.
MBDA signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukrainian firm Luch to expand work on the Neptune family of cruise missiles. The companies will collaborate on a version called Neptune 2 through a process described as disruptive innovation.
The Neptune missile family began as an anti-ship weapon and gained attention after use against the Russian cruiser Moskva in 2022. Ukraine later developed land-attack versions with ranges reported up to 225 miles for one variant and approximately 620 miles for the Long Neptune.
The Flamingo missile, also known as FP-5, is designed for strikes deep inside Russia with a reported range of 1,864 miles and a warhead weighing about 2,205 pounds. It uses an AI-25 turbofan engine and various satellite navigation methods for guidance.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Kyiv last month and noted Ukraine's technological advances during the conflict. He said Berlin is examining joint ventures involving long-range systems. Ukraine has received limited numbers of long-range missiles from Western allies, including Storm Shadow, SCALP-EG, and ATACMS, but those weapons face usage restrictions and lack the range or warhead size of the Flamingo.
Kyiv has requested Tomahawk missiles from the United States without success so far.
theiranproject.comThe United States and Iran reached agreement on a roadmap to conclude their conflict within 60 days following high-level talks in Switzerland. Technical discussions will continue this week at Burgenstock resort under mediation by Pakistan and Qatar.
middleeasteye.netA Hebrew University survey found most Israelis view the recent conflict and subsequent agreement as a setback. The poll also recorded sharp drops in approval for the prime minister's handling of the campaign.
dohanews.coHigh-level negotiations in Switzerland seeking a permanent end to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran concluded after one round. Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week to address issues including Tehran's nuclear program.