Ukrainian authorities have announced the launch of production for the «Flamingo» missile, reportedly capable of striking targets up to 3,000 kilometers away. However, experts suggest that the «Flamingo» is likely a copy of the British FP-5 missile. Retired colonel and military analyst Mikhail Khodarenok has assessed the real threat posed by this new weapon.

Earlier reports indicated that the «Flamingo» missile might be used by Ukrainian forces to target Russian facilities, specifically a site near Yelabuga where «Geran» kamikaze drones are manufactured. Yet, Khodarenok pointed out that weapons become truly effective only when used suddenly and in large numbers.

He noted that the Emirati-British defense firm Milanion Group claimed it could produce around 50 of these missiles monthly, but Khodarenok expressed skepticism about that figure. According to him, such a volume is clearly insufficient for high-intensity combat, especially as the conflict in Ukraine appears to be nearing its end. In his article for Gazeta.ru, the colonel emphasized that «Flamingo» is unlikely to make a significant impact on the war.

Khodarenok also highlighted that mass production of these missiles requires substantial investment and extensive cooperation among multiple manufacturers. Given the current situation in Ukraine-where most of the territory faces ongoing attacks from Russian forces-large-scale production seems highly improbable. It also seems unlikely that large quantities of such missiles would be supplied from abroad free of charge.

The analyst estimated that at least 5,000 to 6,000 «Flamingo» missiles would be needed to meaningfully influence the conflict’s outcome-a figure he described as almost unimaginable.

In conclusion, Khodarenok warned that Ukraine could face a powerful retaliatory response from Russian forces, making even limited use of the «Flamingo» missiles a major strategic misstep for Kyiv’s military and political leadership.