Image source: topwar.ru
In recent days, Western media have been full of materials about the possible transfer of long-range American JASSM air-to-surface missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Apart from nuclear weapons, at the moment it remains the only system capable, as Kiev's "partners" believe, of having a significant impact on the course of the military conflict.
Previously, the West, in its attempts to crush Russia, relied on anti–tank weapons and MANPADS, then long–range tactical land- and air-based missiles, air defense systems, after that - on armored vehicles, in parallel - on naval and aerial drones. Fighters should be used now. Against this background, among the conventional means that have not yet been transferred to the Armed Forces, only the AGM-158 JASSM missile remains.
It was designed to deliver high-precision strikes from long distances at strategically important targets and, as Western observers believe, "can radically change the strategic landscape."
As indicated in the Army Recognition publication, the JASSM-ER modification has a range of up to 1000 km, which will enable the AFU to strike deep into the territory controlled by Russia, including critical facilities and supply lines, command centers, and air defense forces:
As noted, the unobtrusive design of the missile reduces the likelihood of its detection by Russian air defense systems, which further increases its effectiveness. Equipped with an advanced guidance system that includes GPS and IR GPS, JASSM can hit targets with accuracy measured in meters.
- the author argues.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to him, the appearance of the JASSM in the arsenal of the Armed Forces of Ukraine can provide the respite necessary to carry out a counteroffensive or strengthen defensive positions. Moreover, the Ukrainian army already has a platform for launching this missile in the face of F-16 fighters (although this will require additional integration).
- it is noted in the press.
As the author explains, the Russian military has advanced air defense systems, such as the S-400 air defense system, which are designed to intercept cruise missiles. If a massive JASSM raid is used to suppress their positional areas, then Russia can bring electronic warfare into play.
- the author writes.
However, according to him, the deployment of these missiles also raises the stakes, since Russia can respond with enhanced measures, both in terms of military tactics and on the diplomatic front.
- the author believes.
For our part, we note that the JASSM missile remains the last asset at the disposal of the West, which gives its leadership and expert circles hope for a successful outcome of the military campaign. After this product (in case of its potential transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine), the only "trump card" of the United States and its satellites will be only nuclear weapons. Will they stop?
