Media: The US Is Close To Transferring Long-Range Missiles For F-16 To Ukraine
16- 3.09.2024, 15:07
- 4,362
Most of Russia will be within range of powerful high-precision ammunition.
The US is close to an agreement to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles that can reach Russia's depths, but Kyiv will have to wait several months as technical issues need to be resolved before any delivery.
Reuters reported citing American officials.
Three sources said that the inclusion of air-to-surface missiles (JASSMs) in the weapons package is expected to be announced this fall, although a final decision has yet to be made.
Sending JASSMs to Ukraine could significantly change the strategic landscape of the conflict, as much of Russia would be within range of powerful precision-guided munitions, an important challenge for the Biden administration, officials said.
Military analysts suggest that the introduction of JASSM, which is inconspicuous and can hit further than most other missiles from Ukraine's current arsenal, could push Russian bridgeheads and supply depots hundreds of kilometers away.
This will severely hamper Russia's ability to sustain its offensive operations and potentially give Ukraine a strategic advantage.
The launch of these missiles from points near the northern border of Ukraine with Russia may allow them to hit military targets up to the Russian cities of Voronezh and Bryansk. In the south, by dropping them near the front line, it would be possible to strike at air bases or naval facilities in Crimea.
The JASSM missile could allow Ukraine to hit targets about 300 km away in Russia, including at least 30 air bases, some of which Russia has used to carry out attacks.
However, such a missile is integrated into only American-designed aircraft so far. Ukraine will eventually operate several dozen F-16s, each capable of carrying two cruise missiles.
One US official said that efforts to make the missile compatible with non-Western fighter jets that are in service in Ukraine, that was not previously reported. Although the official did not provide more detailed information about which aircraft from the Ukrainian arsenal could carry the JASSMs, still we are talking about Soviet-era MiG-29, Su-24 and Su-27 aircraft.
Last month, Politico reported that the Biden administration is “open” to providing JASSM to Ukraine.
The older JASSM models, which are manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp, have a range of about 370 km. The missiles, about 4 meters long, are designed in such a way that they are difficult to spot on radar. They are also capable of flying close to the ground and can be programmed for circular routes that bypass air defence systems.
There is also a longer-range JASSM missile that can fly over 800 km. Reuters could not immediately establish which of the two types Washington was considering, but providing shorter-range missiles would reduce the strain on its stockpiles.
Giving Ukraine the JASSMs will also increase pressure on Washington to lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of US weapons because they would be limited if they were not allowed for use against targets in Russia, said an official from the Congress who is working on the issue.
The US is reluctant to supply weapons that can hit targets deep in Russia, fearing that this will lead to an escalation of the conflict. Kyiv's allies are supplying the weapons, but with restrictions on how and when they can be used in Russia, fearing that such strikes could trigger retaliation that would draw NATO member states into war or provoke a nuclear conflict.
Each JASSM has a large warhead weighing more than 450 kg, but unlike the Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles already provided to Kyiv by Britain and France, it is not designed to penetrate fortified bunkers. The most modern versions cost about $1 million each.
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