Ukraine’s attack on Russian airfields in occupied Crimea illustrates the key role long-range ballistic missiles play in the war, helping Kiev attack deep into territory controlled by Moscow.
Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Service (GUR) said the attack on Jankoy Airport in northern Crimea damaged four missile launchers, three radar stations and other equipment. Thursday said. It added that the number of aircraft hit or destroyed as a result of Wednesday’s attack was being clarified.
The GUR did not provide any details about the weapons used in the attack, which it called “successful.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the servicemen involved in the operation for their “precision.”
Ukrainian media reported that there were multiple explosions at the airport overnight, and videos circulating online showed a fire breaking out at the military base.
According to reports, the airport has The Russian army has a large number of fighter jets and support infrastructure, including Russia’s advanced S-400 air defense system, protecting Moscow’s forces on the peninsula. Russia has yet to comment publicly on the attack.
According to Raibal, a well-known Russian military blogger, the Ukrainian army used about a dozen US-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles.
Ukrainian forces have previously carried out ATACMS attacks against Russian air bases in occupied territories, including Berdyansk and Luhansk in the Zaporozhye region.
Tactical ballistic missiles provide Ukraine with a flexible, rapid, and long-range strike capability that has proven critical for destroying bridges, neutralizing surface-to-air missile sites, sinking naval vessels, and damaging command and control facilities.
With a top speed of about Mach 3, or just over 1 kilometer per second, it is faster than most cruise missiles (including the British-made Storm Shadow) and is particularly useful against time-sensitive targets.
James Bosbotinis said: “Long-range strike systems such as ATACMS and Storm Shadow can be used to attack key Russian installations in occupied Crimea, as the attack on the Black Sea Fleet base demonstrated, This prevents Russia from stationing troops there,” a defense and international affairs expert told Reuters. I.
“Ballistic missiles and cruise missiles offer different capabilities and have specific advantages against specific targets, so offering both really enhances operational options and flexibility.”
The United States is thought to have provided About 20 older versions of ATACMS It went to Ukraine in October and was quickly used on the battlefield. Former Secretary of the National Security Council of Ukraine Oleksiy Danilov commented at the time The missile “exceeded expectations.”
Early variants of ATACMS, known as the M39 Block I, had a range of approximately 100 miles, while the most advanced version had a range of 190 miles.
But the Biden administration may soon begin shipping newer, longer-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, which could help change the course of the 25-month war.
nbc newsDefense officials in Washington reported in February that the United States was considering sending an updated version of the missile if Congress approved a new funding package.
“Providing a missile variant with a range of 300 kilometers will enable Ukraine to launch attacks on Russian targets anywhere in occupied Ukraine,” Dr. Bosbotinis said.
A $61 billion aid bill for Ukraine has been stalled for months due to opposition from far-right Republicans, but a long-awaited vote in the House of Representatives – where Republicans hold a slim majority – could come as early as Saturday.
billThe agreement, drafted by Republican spokesman Mike Johnson, includes a provision requiring the Biden administration to provide ATACMS missiles to Ukraine “as soon as practicable.”
The legislation also allows the U.S. president to refuse to launch a missile if it violates national security interests, but must notify Congress.
Dr. Bosbotinis said: “Continued delays in providing aid to Ukraine are causing serious problems, and the situation will become more complicated if the US funding bill does not pass.”
“Constraints on supplies are costing lives and territory; if Ukraine were defeated or forced to accept substantial territorial losses as part of an armistice, it would be catastrophic for Europe and wider international security.”
He warned that U.S. credibility was at stake and that Washington’s domestic problems could have global repercussions “including potentially prompting some countries to reassess their security requirements.”
“A positive aspect is that this may awaken European policymakers to correct their over-reliance on the United States for security,” he added.
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