A $61bn package of military aid for Ukraine could be signed off within days. So what weapons might it receive and what difference could they make in trying to stem Russian advances?

Air defence systems, mid to long-range missiles and artillery shells remain the most pressing weaponry needed by Ukraine.

Here is where the US aid could go in these three areas.

  • Flying Squid@lemmy.worldM
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    6 months ago

    Denmark, the Netherlands and the US expect to deliver the first of dozens of “Vipers” to Ukraine within months. The jets won’t be a game-changer but another significant arrow in the quiver for Kyiv.

    How do these compare to Russia’s jet fighters?

    Also-

    Russia suuuuuuucks.

    • tal@lemmy.today
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      6 months ago

      Ehhhhh.

      For rocket artillery, Russia also has the Smerch:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BM-30_Smerch

      With the appropriate munitions, that can do 200 km.

      They’re using a range number for the M777 for the Excalibur ammunition, 40 km, so it seems fair to compare it against other long-range munitions.

      For tube artillery, Russia has the Pion:

      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2S7_Pion

      With the appropriate ammunition, WP says that can reach 47.5 km.

      EDIT: Note, for completeness, that Ukraine also has both of these, and for both of these, accuracy is somewhat-limited.

      • RubberDuck@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        I wanted to say the same. However GLSDB is being supplied in regular quantities now, so that has some more range. But comparing XR smart shells to normal munitions is just silly indeed.

        At this point munition quantities is the issue for Ukraine, and munitions quality is the issue for Russia.

    • Neuromancer@lemm.ee
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      6 months ago

      it’s funny they show himars and compare it to the m270. It’s the same missile. The only difference is the launch platform. For some reason people think the f16 will be a game changer. It won’t. Might even be an issue since Ukraine has no experience using them. They require lot of support and better runways.