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The United States secretly modified the launch systems of the HIMARS rockets sent to Ukraine. The objective? Prevent them from being used to launch long-range missiles toward Russia, US officials told the Wall Street Journal.
HIMARS. The American “trusted friend” helping Ukraine turn the war around
Since June, the US has already supplied Ukraine with 20 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), which have proven effective in the field, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike Russian logistics targets in the occupied territories. These weapons, which have already motivated a series of posters and even a song, they were first used against bridges, Russian transport points and airport infrastructure, but they are also used in anti-aircraft defense.
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According to US officials heard by the Wall Street Journal, the changes are a precaution that the Joe Biden administration considers necessary to reduce the risk of an escalation in the conflict. The HIMARS were modified by the Pentagon so that they do not fire long-range missiles, including the US ATACMS that the US has refused to send to Ukraine. With the implemented modifications they manage to guarantee that, even if kyiv obtains this type of missiles from other partners, it will not be able to launch them from the HIMARS.
When asked about the matter, the Pentagon declined to comment on the changes. “Due to security operations considerations, we do not publicly comment on the configuration of systems provided to allies and partners,” the spokesman, Gen. Patrick Ryder, said. However, he stressed that the United States remains “committed” to providing Ukraine with the necessary capabilities to combat the Russian invasion.
Pentagon considers sending high-precision bombs made by Boeing to Ukraine
Since Russian troops invaded Ukraine on February 24, the United States has gradually expanded the type of weapons it is willing to give up, sending ever more sophisticated weapons. Starting with the Stinger and Javelin missiles, they evolved to the M777 howitzers and then the HIMARS. However, to avoid the risk of escalation, the US had already obtained a guarantee from President Volodymyr Zelensky that the latter would not be used for attacks against Ukrainian territory. So far, the Ukrainian authorities have kept that promise.
The United States is now considering purchasing high-precision bombs made by aircraft manufacturer Boeing and the Swedish brand SAAB. These GPS-guided bombs can be used to destroy armored vehicles. Ukraine continues to ask allies for more air defense systems and, according to a US official, they are also considering sending Patriot systems.
Source: Observadora
