US Considers Providing Stealth Cruise Missiles to Ukraine, Potentially Shifting Conflict Dynamics
Moscow, September 6, 2024 – Thepotential delivery of advanced stealth cruise missiles to Ukraine by the United States has sparked intense debate and raised concerns about a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
USofficials have confirmed that they are close to finalizing an agreement to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory. These missiles,identified as the AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile), are considered among the most sophisticated air-launched cruise missiles in the world.
The JASSM, developed by Lockheed Martin, boasts a stealth design, advanced guidance systems, and a powerful warhead. Its standard range is 370 kilometers, with an extended version reaching nearly 1000 kilometers. It is designed to destroy high-value,heavily defended, fixed, and mobile targets, enabling aircraft to launch attacks from beyond the range of enemy air defenses.
The potential inclusion of JASSM missiles in the upcoming US military aid package for Ukraine has been met with mixed reactions. While some experts believe the missiles could significantly alter the strategic landscape of the conflict, others express concerns about the potential for escalation and the potential compromise of sensitive US military technology.
Shifting the Battlefield:
Proponents of the JASSM transfer argue that it could provide Ukraine with a decisive strategic advantage. The missiles’ extended range would allow Ukrainian forces to target critical infrastructure and military installationsdeep within Russia, potentially disrupting supply lines and hindering Russian offensive operations.
Military analyst Zhang Xuefeng, in an interview with The Paper, highlighted the JASSM’s superior stealth capabilities compared to previously supplied Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG missiles, making it more difficult for Russian defenses to detect and intercept.He suggested that a large-scale deployment of JASSM missiles could significantly disrupt Russian military operations, especially in conjunction with other weapons like suicide drones and ballistic missiles.
Concerns and Risks:
However, the potential transfer of JASSM missiles has also raised concerns about unintended consequences. The US government is currentlyhesitant to authorize Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike targets within Russia, even with less advanced systems like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).
A key concern is the potential for escalation. The use of JASSM missiles against Russian territory could be perceived as a direct attack on Russian soil,potentially triggering a more aggressive response from Moscow.
Furthermore, US officials are worried about the potential for JASSM technology to fall into Russian hands. The use of these missiles against Russian targets could lead to the recovery of missile debris or even intact missiles, providing valuable intelligence to Russian engineers and potentially compromising the effectiveness ofthe weapon in future conflicts.
A Complex Decision:
The US government faces a complex decision regarding the potential transfer of JASSM missiles to Ukraine. While the missiles could offer a significant tactical advantage, the potential risks of escalation and technological compromise are significant.
The decision will likely be influenced by arange of factors, including the current state of the conflict, the potential for escalation, and the broader geopolitical implications. The US will need to carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks before making a final decision.
As the conflict continues, the potential transfer of JASSM missiles remains a key development to watch.The decision will have far-reaching consequences for the future of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.
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