Biden goes one step further: Ukraine gets advanced missile system

@annoz blog

Jun 1

The United States will nevertheless send advanced missile systems to Ukraine that can "hit more precisely important targets on the battlefield," President Biden announced in an essay in The New York Times.

It concerns the M142 Himars type, which is equipped with missiles that have a maximum range of about 80 kilometers.

Biden told reporters on Monday that the US had no intention of supplying mobile offensive missile launchers to Ukraine. Providing such systems is a sensitive matter because it allows Ukraine to target targets in Russia with the right ammunition.

A senior official confirmed Monday that the option to send a system with missiles with a shorter range was still on the table. That option has now been chosen. Biden says: "We don't encourage Ukraine to strike outside its borders. We don't want to prolong the war by hurting Russia."

Which system exactly is the US going to supply to Ukraine?
The M142 Himars (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) system is an upgraded, lighter and agile wheel-mounted version of the track-mounted M270 MLRS.

Himars units have a preloaded pod of six 227mm guided missiles or one large pod loaded with an Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) tactical missile. ATACMS have a range of 300 kilometers and are therefore not supplied by the US to Ukraine.

The Himars that Washington supplies to Ukraine have a range of about 80 kilometers.

Biden says in The New York Times that he assumes that this war will eventually end in a negotiation. In the meantime, Biden writes, it is important to appear in the best position possible at that negotiating table so that Ukraine can enforce its terms in that negotiation.

The US president also says that America does not want to put any pressure on Ukraine to give up part of its territory in order to reach a peace or truce. Biden emphasizes that he is not out to oust Putin or send troops to Ukraine or attack Russian troops.

"The advantage of the Himars is that it is on wheels, which makes it relatively quick and easy to move," said retired general Mart de Kruif. "That is important, because once you have fired rockets you have to leave quickly."

With the supplied Himars system, "a disadvantage is eliminated for Ukraine", says De Kruif. "It is definitely not an advantage over the Russians. The Russians already have similar systems in their possession."

Relatively easy to operate
According to De Kruif, the delivery will not only affect the fighting in the Donbas, where the Russians are making progress. "The battles for Izhum and around Kherson are of more importance. If Izhum is taken, the Russians could partially enclose the Donbas and destroy the Ukrainian troops there. And in Kherson, Russians could be driven back east of the Dnieper and the threat on Odessa will decrease."

The system can be deployed relatively quickly by Ukraine, the former commander thinks. "Ukrainians may already be trained in Poland and Romania, who also have these systems. Then you also have robust logistical support around the corner. In addition, the system is easier to master than, for example, the armored howitzer because it is relatively easy to operate is."

America correspondent Lucas Waagmeester:
"The fact that no pressure is exerted on Ukraine remains a point of principle of the Americans: a dictatorial aggressor cannot simply conquer a democratic neighboring country by force of arms. If you negotiate and allow it, it may also set a precedent. That is why Biden says another to go one step further in supplying arms to Ukraine.

The White House estimates that supplying a system with a range of 300 kilometers is really seen by Russia as a major threat. Not only for the battlefield but also for Russian territory. Then the Ukrainians could hit targets deep in Russia from their current positions. Then you're going to defy the Russians too sharply.

With this you clearly indicate: we help within the parameters of the battlefield as it currently stands in Ukraine. However, this system could give the Ukrainian military a very serious advantage in the Donbas where the battle is now being waged."

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