CyberBoroshno and Exelinova: Flamingo Cruise Missiles Hit Tool Factory Critical to Russian Aircraft Production

Four Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missiles struck the Belgorod-based SKIF-M plant, a manufacturer of specialized tools critical to the production of Russian Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57 aircraft.

This was reported by analysts from the CyberBoroshno and Exilenova+.

According to the analysts, Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck a contractor involved in the production of Su-34 bombers and Su-35 and Su-57 fighters in Belgorod with Flamingo missiles on September 23, 2025.

Satellite imagery indicates that the strike did not hit the Belgorod Milling Plant, as previously believed, but SKIF-M LLC.

One of the missiles reportedly passed through the roof and a wall before exiting the building and detonating on the ground. Photos published by local authorities after the strike show that a fire broke out inside a workshop.

It is noted that the published satellite image was taken at a time when three of the four damaged roof sections had already been dismantled, likely in preparation for reconstruction at the plant.

Low-resolution satellite images taken by the Copernicus satellite service in early January show that roof repairs had not yet been completed. This may indicate significant internal damage to the facility.

SKIF-M

According to an analysis by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), SKIF-M is among the vulnerable links in Sukhoi aircraft production.

SKIF-M is a Russian manufacturer of specialized drills, cutters, and inserts. 70% of its products are designed specifically for processing aerospace materials. United Aircraft Corporation is the company’s largest customer.

SKIF-M has a subsidiary, SKIF-M DV, located in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and registered two blocks from the KnAAZ plant, which produces Su-35 and Su-57 fighters and Su-34 bombers.

At the same time, the main plant in Belgorod produces specialized inserts, drills, and end mills required for machining titanium, aluminum, and composite components of jet aircraft. The need for such tools is driven by the use of special alloys in airframe construction. Only Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the company.