Just finished a segment with the terrific @biannagolodryga where I described some of the things in the $800M package.
I know weapon systems can be confusing, so here's a bit of an explanation (plus another "bonus" NFZ comment at the end) 1/17
I know weapon systems can be confusing, so here's a bit of an explanation (plus another "bonus" NFZ comment at the end) 1/17
First, anti-tank.
The Javelin is a phenomenal shoulder-fired weapon. It's expensive, but it's designed to destroy a multi-million dollar tank or personnel carrier (BMP, BTR, etc)
It has both a side attack & top-down attack mode, and tankers fear this kinds of weapons. 2/
The Javelin is a phenomenal shoulder-fired weapon. It's expensive, but it's designed to destroy a multi-million dollar tank or personnel carrier (BMP, BTR, etc)
It has both a side attack & top-down attack mode, and tankers fear this kinds of weapons. 2/
It can accurately hit & destroy enemy armor at ranges up to 3000+ meters. But...it also has an "arming requirement," and can't be used against close-in targets during ambushes.
For those, a soldier needs an LAW (light antitank weapon) or an RPG. Countries have variants 3/
For those, a soldier needs an LAW (light antitank weapon) or an RPG. Countries have variants 3/
A law is great for ambush, off the side of a road as tanks roll by, & they are inexpensive & easier to carry than an ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missile), like a technologically-advanced Javelin, British NLAW, Swedish Robot 57.
BTW, a Javelin is not a Stinger. Let's talk that. 4/
BTW, a Javelin is not a Stinger. Let's talk that. 4/
Stinger is the man-portable air defense system (MANPAD). It's shoulder-fired by one person, requires the soldier to SEE the aircraft and track it until he gets a "tone" that there is lock.
No radar or other equipment is required, and it's relatively easy to train to use. 5/
No radar or other equipment is required, and it's relatively easy to train to use. 5/
Stingers are expensive & provide a unique defense against LOW ALTITUDE aircraft...that is, helicopters and planes flying about 3500 meters away (and that's low).
A shooter would need to be lucky to shoot down a cruise missile, like a RU Kalibr. 6/
A shooter would need to be lucky to shoot down a cruise missile, like a RU Kalibr. 6/
For higher flying targets, the US used to use a Medium Altitude Air Defense and then a High Altitude Air Defense (HIMAD) system...Chaparall and Nike.
Those have both been replaced by the very advanced Patriot (and Patriot PAC-3). english.iswnews.com/21773/military…
Those have both been replaced by the very advanced Patriot (and Patriot PAC-3). english.iswnews.com/21773/military…
Patriots are very large systems, extremely expensive and take months to train on to master.
For all those saying "let's give Ukraine Patiots" that's a good idea...except, they haven't been trained on them & there are tough maintenance and resupply issues. 8/
For all those saying "let's give Ukraine Patiots" that's a good idea...except, they haven't been trained on them & there are tough maintenance and resupply issues. 8/
The solution - which I believe many in DoD are working right now - is to get former Warsaw Pact countries to "give" Ukraine some old Russian systems, like the SA-8 Gecko or the S300 Grumble.
Ukraine is familiar with both, and they would be effective...except... 9/
Ukraine is familiar with both, and they would be effective...except... 9/
Both are tough to get into country, both have a radar signature & both require a crew. They also require vehicle & radar maintenance AND resupply of missiles.
But Ukraine's military commanders believe this may be a better solution for "clearing the skies." 10/
But Ukraine's military commanders believe this may be a better solution for "clearing the skies." 10/
Which brings us to No Fly Zone...again.
Consider:
-it takes LOTS of a/c to execute a NFZ in a country as large as UKR...several dozens at any time.
-it requires shutting down RU air defense radars (called SEAD, suppression of enemy air defense). 11/
Consider:
-it takes LOTS of a/c to execute a NFZ in a country as large as UKR...several dozens at any time.
-it requires shutting down RU air defense radars (called SEAD, suppression of enemy air defense). 11/
-the primary targets are BOTH RU a/c and missile/artillery locations
-the MIG is "okay" at air-to-air, but it's not a great ground support aircraft...requires precision to hit ground targets better suited to drones/counter-artillery. 12/
-the MIG is "okay" at air-to-air, but it's not a great ground support aircraft...requires precision to hit ground targets better suited to drones/counter-artillery. 12/
For those (especially those in Congress) saying "just give them F16s & A10s the Air Force doesn't want"....I'd just say...
You need pilot training, maintenance, support, fuel, and supporters to keep those a/c in the sky.
It's a large package that can't be delivered quickly 13/
You need pilot training, maintenance, support, fuel, and supporters to keep those a/c in the sky.
It's a large package that can't be delivered quickly 13/
-and additional a/c DURING the fight IS escalatory (I know, many will say "who cares," but it plays into Putin's narrative)...and...
-is there anyone saying "yes, I'll take the responsibility for a nuclear attack if Putin does something crazy"? 14/
-is there anyone saying "yes, I'll take the responsibility for a nuclear attack if Putin does something crazy"? 14/
To summarize:
Javelins (& others) to attrit vehicles, Stingers (& others) to counter a/c, drones (both Bayraktar TB2 & now Switchblade "Kamikaze") to attack artillery & missile launch platforms...
Plus, all the other "stuff:" machineguns, grenade launchers, ammo, etc. 15/
Javelins (& others) to attrit vehicles, Stingers (& others) to counter a/c, drones (both Bayraktar TB2 & now Switchblade "Kamikaze") to attack artillery & missile launch platforms...
Plus, all the other "stuff:" machineguns, grenade launchers, ammo, etc. 15/
In my view, this - and much, much more - is what the US and NATO has been providing...plus years of training of Ukrainian Army, Special Operations, Air Force, and senior leaders.
There's a lot going on under the radar, too, that most Americans have no idea about. 16/
There's a lot going on under the radar, too, that most Americans have no idea about. 16/
The civilian casualties - especially the wanton disregard for women & children - and the other criminal attacks by Putin are horrific...and it's hard to stop a mad killer like him.
But NATO and the US are doing more than most people realize. 17/End.
But NATO and the US are doing more than most people realize. 17/End.
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