5 deadly Western weapons Ukraine uses against Russia

5 deadly Western weapons Ukraine uses against Russia

Western Weapons Making a Difference for Ukraine in the War

For months, Ukraine has been desperately pleading with its allies for advanced weapons and armored vehicles that would make a significant impact on the battlefield. And many countries have answered the call, stepping up to send military aid to Ukraine. Germany provided Leopard 2 tanks, the US contributed Patriot missile defense systems, and the UK gifted a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks. Now, as Ukraine is in the midst of its counteroffensive to regain crucial territory from Russia, the Western-provided weapons are proving to be invaluable.

Insider spoke to three military experts who highlighted the most effective Western-provided weapons that have helped Ukraine in the war. Let’s delve into the top five weapons and their impact:

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)

Ukraine has received dozens of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), which have played a crucial role in both defensive and offensive operations. The US-made system is an advanced missile launcher mounted on a truck. It can fire six GPS-guided missiles that can reach targets up to 50 miles (80 km) away, making it an effective tool against high-value targets located far behind the front lines.

Ben Caves, a senior research leader at the RAND Corporation, states that the HIMARS’ mobility is a crucial advantage for Ukraine. The ability to quickly move the missile systems prevents the Russians from identifying their location, making them extremely useful for Ukraine. The HIMARS have disrupted the Russian logistical effort and pushed Russia to move key resources to the rear, making them more vulnerable.

The effectiveness of the HIMARS was demonstrated when Ukrainian forces successfully pushed Russian forces away from the southern city of Kherson, which was under Russian occupation at the time. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has emphasized the system’s importance, stating, “HIMARS and other precision weapons are turning the course of the war in our favor.”

• A New York property, once used by a mobster for a moonshine busines...
• Report suggests SpaceX’s ‘flame deflector’ system...
• I left my teaching job for Costco and now have a higher paying corp...

Patriot Missile Systems

The US-provided Patriot missile systems arrived in Ukraine in April, significantly bolstering the country’s air defenses. These systems are considered to be among the most sophisticated air defense systems globally, capable of intercepting cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and even aircraft before they reach their targets.

Dr. Huseyn Aliyev, from the Research Center for East European Studies, explains that the Patriots have enhanced Ukraine’s previously limited ability to intercept more modern Russian missiles. They can now effectively target and bring down even advanced Russian hypersonic missiles. Ukrainian officials claimed that they successfully shot down several Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, which were previously considered unstoppable.

Javelin Anti-Tank Missile

The Javelin anti-tank missile, affectionately known as “Saint Javelin, Protector of Ukraine” among Ukrainian soldiers, is an American-made FGM-148 missile that has been highly effective against main battle tanks and armored vehicles. Ukraine received over 5,000 Javelins as part of the US’s military aid package.

Ben Caves points out that Javelins were particularly effective in the early stages of the war when Russia failed to capture Kyiv. These missiles were critical in neutralizing a significant number of Russian armored vehicles. Additionally, Ukraine also possesses the UK-made Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), which Caves states is equally useful due to its smaller size and ease of use.

Storm Shadow Missiles

The Storm Shadow (also known as SCALP) cruise missiles, recently provided by the UK, have been a game-changer for Ukraine’s counteroffensive. These missiles possess evasion capabilities, precise targeting, and an impressive range of 155 miles (250 km). They are designed to fly at low altitudes after launch, evading detection, and contain a target-seeking system that allows them to recognize planned targets for precision strikes.

Marina Miron, a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of War Studies at King’s College London, emphasizes that Storm Shadows act as a force multiplier for Ukrainian forces. They provide the ability to strike high-value targets located far behind enemy lines, disrupt enemy operations, and reduce Russia’s military capacity. While the number of available Storm Shadow missiles is limited, their importance lies in Ukraine’s ability to strike and destroy critical targets without exposing themselves to major risks.

Bradley Fighting Vehicles

Ukraine has received a significant delivery of armored fighting vehicles, including the US-provided M2 Bradley fighting vehicles. These vehicles have been particularly successful, primarily due to their ability to transport infantry while offering them protection on the frontlines.

Dr. Huseyn Aliyev explains that the Bradley vehicles play a crucial role in moving infantry to the frontlines swiftly. Along with providing protection to military personnel, the vehicles allow for flexibility and adaptability in the battlefield. They feature heavy firepower, night vision capabilities, range calculators, and fire control systems. Their purpose is not necessarily to engage in combat but to transport infantry safely, as the most dangerous part for troops sometimes lies in reaching the frontlines.

It is worth noting that the effectiveness of these weapons is still uncertain in the long term, as Ukraine’s counteroffensive faces the challenge of a heavily mined frontlines. Multi-layered minefields laid by Russia are rendering Western tanks less effective, causing some vehicles to sustain severe damage and forcing Ukrainian units to advance slowly on foot. Nevertheless, Ukraine continues to adapt its strategies to counter these challenges, and only time will tell how valuable these Western weapons truly are.

Source: Insider.com

• News UK
• Russia
• Ukraine