Zelensky's secret plan: Long-range missiles to counter Russia
The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced a strategy to "destroy the Russian war machine." The Ukrainian portal Defense Express experts analyzed this aspect of the so-called victory plan.
"Strategic deterrence package" – with these words, Zelensky describes the tools he intends to use to stop the Russians and ultimately lead Ukraine to victory in the conflict. "There is a secret annex involving the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, and several other countries," reads Defense Express. Ukraine's allies are expected to help implement the concept of deterrence.
Missiles with a range of over 965 kilometres
Although the exact contents of the mentioned package have not been disclosed, analysts have attempted to determine what it might include. They point out that support from allies does not involve ATACMS or PrSM missiles, which reach a distance of approximately 480 kilometres. Defense Express indicates that consideration should be given to means with a range exceeding even 965 kilometres.
The list of potential support included in the package may comprise Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can be launched from Typhoon ground launchers, as well as Land Cruise Missile project missiles – a project under development by MDBA, aligning with the announced list of European countries.
The deployment of long-range weapons like the mentioned Tomahawks in Ukraine (the range of the Land Cruise Missile is unknown) will place the White Sea's Arkhangelsk within Kyiv's reach. This is significant because changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine suggest that Moscow may increasingly "threaten" with nuclear weapons.
American Tomahawks
Tomahawk missiles were developed in the 1970s and entered service in 1983. During the Cold War, the U.S.'s primary goal was to demonstrate its military dominance. Thanks to their range and precision, Tomahawks quickly became a key element in NATO's arsenal. They were deployed in countries such as the United Kingdom, West Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
The Tomahawk, with a length of approximately 6 metres and a weight of 1,315 kilograms, stands out for its ability to strike targets over a distance of more than 2,735 kilometres. The warhead of this missile weighs about 300 kilograms. The high precision and range make it an extremely effective weapon in military operations. The Tomahawk can be launched from various platforms, including ships and aircraft, providing significant operational flexibility.
Due to continuous improvements, such as integration with modern guidance systems and increased resistance to electronic countermeasures, these missiles remain at the forefront of global military technology. The introduction of new versions and continuous upgrades ensure that Tomahawks will remain a key element in NATO and the U.S.'s arsenal for many years.
