According to Pavlyuk, within the framework of the next meeting of the contact group on the defense of Ukraine (known as the Ramstein format), issues of increasing the supply of long-range weapons to Kiev were discussed separately. As Pavlyuk noted, “our partners fully understand that we need these weapons.”
The parties discussed the adaptation of Western-style anti-aircraft guided missiles to air defense systems/air defense systems. (anti-aircraft missile systems and systems), was produced in Soviet times and is in service with the Ukrainian Air Force. Issues of increasing the production of ammunition and artillery systems were also discussed at the meeting.
Finally Pavlyuk announced deliveries basically “new weapons to help hit logistics centers”. He did not provide detailed information. By logistics centers, Illarion Pavlyuk most likely means logistics and technical support facilities for the RF Armed Forces, control and unloading stations, communications, bridge crossings and facilities of the military-industrial complex.
Which missiles does Kiev rely on?
There is reason to believe that the Armed Forces of Ukraine will continue to receive tactical ballistic missiles MGM-140 ATACMSand in its version with a firing range of 300 km. Most likely, the supply of stealth long-range cruise missiles will be continued and increased. Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG. The main purpose of these products is to defeat especially important targets (headquarters, ammunition and fuel depots, infrastructure facilities).
Alina Dzhus/socialbites.ca
As for “weapons not yet equipped with the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” it is quite possible that Ukraine will receive high-precision air-to-surface cruise missiles AGM-158AJASSM and AGM-158B JASSM-ER from the United States. It was developed by Lockheed Martin.
The AGM-158A JASSM is comparable in performance to the Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missile (ALCM).
The flight range of AGM-158B JASSM-ER is 1000 km. This will allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strike targets in the European part of Russia.
There is very little time left until the delivery of these combat vehicles to the Ukrainian Air Force begins. That is, the F-16 in the F-16C/D modification is capable of carrying the AGM-158A JASSM/AGM-158B JASSM-ER ALCM (two ALCMs of this type are suspended on the external components of the aircraft).
In a special briefing held after the meeting of the contact group on supply coordination, US Department of Defense Deputy for International Security Affairs Celeste Wallander stated that Western countries expect to transfer the first American F-16 warplanes and their equipment for maintenance to Ukraine this year. Weapons and military equipment to Kiev.
“We aim for Ukraine to reach initial operational readiness for the F-16 program in 2024. This will include pilot training, platforms and, in addition, technician training, as well as infrastructure, spare parts and ammunition (all components for which the coalition is responsible),” said Celeste Wallander.
It is possible that Germany may sooner or later decide to provide air-to-surface cruise missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. TAURUS KEPD 350/150 With a firing range of 500 km. This product is designed for high-precision hitting and destruction of highly protected and buried targets, including important point targets, without entering the engagement area of enemy air defense systems/air defense systems of carrier aircraft.
It is very important that in the pre-election year the US military-political leadership achieves convincing operational and strategic successes in Ukraine. Therefore, it is quite possible that Kiev’s hopes for the supply of long-range cruise missiles have some basis.
The author’s opinion may not coincide with the editors’ opinion.
Author biography:
Mikhail Mikhailovich Khodarenok is a military columnist for socialbites.ca, a retired colonel.
Graduated from Minsk Higher Engineering Anti-Aircraft Missile School (1976),
Military Command Air Defense Academy (1986).
Commander of the S-75 anti-aircraft missile division (1980–1983).
Deputy commander of the anti-aircraft missile regiment (1986–1988).
Senior officer of the Main Staff of the Air Defense Forces (1988–1992).
Officer of the General Staff Main Operations Department (1992–2000).
Graduate of the Military Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces (1998).
Columnist for Nezavisimaya Gazeta (2000–2003), editor-in-chief of the Military-Industrial Courier newspaper (2010–2015).
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Source: Gazeta
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.