US officials are asking the war-torn nation to clearly outline its combat objectives for requesting expanded use of US-supplied long-range missiles.

Ukraine has stated that it plans to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which has a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), to strike Russian airfields, command centers, and weapons depots deep in enemy territory.

President Joe Biden’s administration currently allows Kyiv to use the weapon only for strikes within Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine.

US officials remain skeptical that lifting the restrictions would have a significant impact on the war, noting that it may also come with greater risks.

Growing Pressure

The US has been facing increasing pressure from NATO allies to allow Kyiv greater freedom to hit targets inside Russia to level the battlefield.

Moscow’s forces have been using long-range aircraft, missiles, and drones to attack Ukraine, quickly gaining the upper hand in the ongoing war.

Washington has expressed concerns that doing so would further escalate the war and allow Russia to reverse-engineer some of America’s most sophisticated weapons.

It has also argued that the Ukrainian military is already using long-range drones to strike deep into Russia, which is a cheaper and more strategic method than firing costly missiles.

Additionally, the White House downplayed the capabilities of its ATACMS, stating they would be ineffective now because Moscow has likely moved its most immediate threats to facilities beyond the missile’s range.

“I don’t believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment,” US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirmed.

Russian Warning

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any strikes using Western weapons deep inside its territory will lead to a significant change in the nature of the conflict.

He said such a move would be viewed as an escalation of the war, making the US and its NATO allies directly involved.

“And if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us,” Putin told reporters.

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According to two European diplomats who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, Kyiv initially requested that Washington allow the use of its ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System, to strike Russian airfields housing glide bomb-carrying warplanes.

However, US National Security Advisor John Kirby argued that the requested targets are well beyond the missile’s effective range, which is only 300 kilometers (186 miles).

“We’ve done the math on this — 90% of them (Russian airfields) lie outside 300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, deep inside Russia,” he noted.

As a result, the sources said Kyiv revised its target list to focus on Russian military command centers, fuel and weapons depots, and troop concentrations, hoping to persuade the US to permit strikes deeper into enemy territory.

‘Working That Out’

While Kirby already indicated there will be no change in US policy regarding the weapons it supplied to Ukraine, President Joe Biden has hinted at the possibility of authorizing it amid Moscow’s increasing aggression.

He told reporters last week, “We’re working that out right now,” after his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly called for the restrictions to be lifted.

Biden also recently met with newly installed UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss the matter, signaling openness to consider Kyiv’s persistent request.

Meanwhile, some US officials are skeptical about the impact of granting Ukraine greater freedom to use Western weapons.

They argued that Moscow has likely moved its most immediate threats to facilities beyond the range of US-supplied missiles.

Additionally, they noted that Kyiv already uses kamikaze drones for deep strikes into Russia, which are significantly cheaper than the ATACMS or other long-range weapons.

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In a press release, the service said the battery demonstrated its ability to successfully integrate with higher joint echelons and sustain operations over an extended period.

It also helped the LRHW provide real-time situational awareness to joint command posts and showcase its digital kill chain.

According to 1st Multi-Domain Task Force commander Col. Charles Kean, the drills provided invaluable insights that reinforced the steadfast deployment of the army’s multi-domain capabilities.

Though the battery was already demonstrated in other exercises, this was the first time it has been integrated into the bi-annual military drills.

About the LRHW

The LRHW is designed to introduce a new class of ultrafast, maneuverable long-range missiles that can be launched from ground mobile platforms.

It fires the common hypersonic All Up Round from the US Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike program.

One unit consists of transporter erector launchers, a canister, and a battery operations center.

According to the service, the weapon will be used to engage high-value and time-sensitive targets, given that it can travel well over 3,800 miles (6,115 kilometers) per hour.

It can also reach the top of the Earth’s atmosphere to evade enemy air and missile defense systems.

Earlier this year, the army awarded Lockheed Martin a $756-million contract to deliver additional batteries for its LRHW.

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The White House announced the decision on Wednesday during a NATO summit in Washington, arguing the stationing of long-range weapons including Tomahawk cruise missiles in Europe acts as a deterrent.

“We are taking steady steps towards the Cold War,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a state TV reporter.

“All the attributes of the Cold War with the direct confrontation are returning,” he said.

He added Washington’s decision gave Russia “a reason to pull together” and “fulfil all the goals” of its military campaign in Ukraine.

NATO countries spearheaded by the United States have bolstered their defenses in Europe in the wake of Russia’s 2022 offensive against neighboring Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hailed the planned deployment of the US weapons in his country, calling the move a “necessary and important decision at the right time.”

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The proposal was discussed at a June 24 meeting of the defense ministers of the Weimar Triangle states, which comprise Germany, France, and Poland.

A letter of intent is expected to be signed during the summit along with the UK, Spain, Italy, and Sweden, laying the foundation of the European Long Strike Approach (ELSA).

European Long-Range Strike Approach

ELSA is a proposed French initiative featuring an expected range of over 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).

The Ukraine war demonstrated the need for a ground-launched deep-strike capability as Russian ballistic and cruise missiles pounded Ukrainian cities from stand-off ranges.

The capability’s absence is attributable to a significant drop in overall defense spending by NATO allies (minus the US) after the Cold War, falling 20 percent following the global financial crisis of 2008.

Land Cruise Missile 

Meanwhile, MBDA unveiled a long-range ground-launched cruise missile earlier this month, based on the operational Naval Cruise Missile (NCM).

The NCM’s range of 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) makes the proposed Land Cruise Missile a candidate for the ELSA initiative.

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Washington confirmed the day before that it had sent Ukraine a variant of the ATACMS missile with a range of 300 kilometers (190 miles), while France and Britain have respectively supplied SCALP and Storm Shadow missiles, both of which have a range of about 250 kilometers.

“In terms of Taurus… this is a decision for Germany,” a senior US defense official told journalists when asked if the provision of long-range ATACMS could clear the way for Taurus missiles to be sent to Kyiv.

“But certainly, the US provision of ATACMS as well as prior decisions by the UK and France to provide long-range cruise missiles, we would certainly hope that this would be a factor,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Kyiv has long pushed for Germany to provide it with Taurus missiles – which can reach targets up to 500 kilometers away – to help its fight against invading Russian forces.

But Berlin has declined to send the missiles, fearing that it would lead to an escalation of the more-than-two-year-old conflict.

The post US Nudges Germany on Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine appeared first on The Defense Post.

Conducted in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the flight test aimed to demonstrate the missile’s inherent high-end lethality and its effects on targets.

It also served as the “graduation exercise” for the latest LRASM configuration, laying the foundation for increased capabilities in the future.

According to the company, each missile achieved its test objectives from inception to target destruction, though it did not provide specific details.

“This event was a testament to our commitment to deliver reliable products that work each and every time, ensuring those who serve stay ahead of ready,” program director Lisbeth Vogelpohl said.

Modern Security Solution

The LRASM is a stealth missile that provides unmatched lethality against highly-defended targets.

It has a range of 200 nautical miles (230 miles/370 kilometers) and can be launched from a wide range of aircraft.

The weapon uses a sophisticated GPS-assisted guidance system to navigate toward its designated target with improved precision.

However, the key feature of the LRASM is its ability to change course autonomously in case of the sudden appearance of enemy defenses.

“We have continued to invest in the design and development of LRASM’s anti-surface warfare capabilities to ensure that warfighters have the 21st century security solutions they need to complete their missions and come home safely,” Vogelpohl concluded.

The post In ‘Historic’ First, US Navy Test-Launches Four LRASMs Simultaneously appeared first on The Defense Post.

His biting statement was included in a recent evening video address to express gratitude to allies that have sent military aid packages to the war-ravaged nation.

Zelensky has long requested long-range missiles from Western countries, but some allies have refused over fears that the weapons could be used to strike deep into Russian territory.

Recently, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his opposition to sending long-awaited long-range Taurus cruise missiles to Kyiv, saying the weapon “could not be used without the deployment of German soldiers.”

It also took time for the US to finally approve the transfer of the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine.

Expressing Gratitude

Despite lashing out at “some” allies, Zelensky thanked supportive partners, such as the US and Denmark, for sending additional defense aid.

He also expressed gratitude to the Czech Republic and the countries that joined its initiative to buy hundreds of thousands of artillery shells for Kyiv.

Zelensky said bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities is crucial in determining whether Russian President Vladimir Putin will succeed in “expanding the zone of ruins in Europe.”

“It is very important that stability is restored in providing support for our defense,” he said. “Stopping him (Putin) now is in everyone’s best interest.”

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German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock recently admitted that the country is still undecided on the matter, fearing that the weapon could be used to strike deep into Russia and widen the conflict.

The move could also be seen as more direct involvement by Germany.

Despite acknowledging that Berlin’s military aid to Kyiv is “too little,” Baerbock said German authorities have been “racking our brains though the past year” to assess how they can deliver more, including long-range weapon systems.

Ukrainian defense officials have long been asking for long-range missiles and jets from the West to help repel invading Russian troops.

Countries such as the US, the UK, and France have already reversed their previous decisions and delivered long-range weapons.

‘Totally Understandable’

Baerbock said it is totally understandable for the people in Ukraine to say they need more of everything given the recent advances of Russian forces.

Moscow has already taken full control of Avdiivka after months of heavy fighting and multiple failed attempts to seize the territory.

Despite these gains, German lawmakers are still skeptical about delivering the highly-requested Taurus missiles to Kyiv.

Initial plans involved technically modifying the weapon by applying programming restrictions to reduce its range and prevent Moscow from obtaining key components if captured.

Baerbock did not say if a decision on whether to supply long-range weapons to Ukraine is imminent.

The post Germany Still Discussing Sending Long-Range Weapons to Ukraine appeared first on The Defense Post.

The long-range attack missile (LRAM) is intended to provide greater range and maneuverability over the service’s air-launched weapons such as the Hellfire.

Its expected range of 150 nautical miles (278 kilometers/173 miles) exceeds current long-range loitering munitions, like the Switchblade 600 and the Hero-1250.

The AeroVironment Switchblade has a range of 40 kilometers (25 miles), while the UVision Hero can fly as far as 200 kilometers (124 miles).

Additional Features

Other features include being platform-agnostic, vertical takeoff and landing, and modular design to accommodate multiple payloads of up to 25 pounds (11 kilograms), excluding fuel.

“The USMC requires a vertical takeoff and landing family of systems aircraft agnostic, network-enabled, long-range precision weapon that will generate an asymmetric advantage in range, standoff, and lethality to deter/destroy both maritime and land-based targets,” the NAVAIR source sought notice explained.

“The USMC’s desired LRAM solution is a modular design that allows trade-space for various mission-specific payloads with a minimum total payload weight capacity of 25 pounds to include weapon seeker and warhead (but excludes fuel weight), while relying on a Universal Armaments Interface for launch platform integration.”

The NAVAIR expects to award a development contract in fiscal 2025 and field the munition two years later with an early operational capability. 

Weapon for Indo-Pacific 

The LRAM capability is a part of the Marines’ ongoing Force Design 2030 modernization effort to better prepare the service against a potential conflict with adversaries such as China.

Referring to the munition, Capabilities Development Directorate Brig. Gen. Stephen Lightfoot told reporters earlier this year a missile like the Hellfire is not good enough for the Pacific theater.

“That’s great in [Operation Iraqi Freedom], [Operation Enduring Freedom] and areas we’ve been fighting in for years. But when you move over to the Indo-Pacific and some of the distances we’re talking about, 8 kilometers (5 miles) doesn’t really do as much as you’d want,” Defense News quoted Lightfoot as saying.

“That [LRAM] is a capability that brings hundreds of kilometers, and that allows us to be able to use a current platform to be able to do things that we never thought we’d be able to do.”

He added that swarming munitions could be launched from ground launchers too.

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