New Boeing long-range bomb arrives to battlefield in Ukraine: Politico
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The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs, produced by the US military manufacturer, are assessed to travel at a velocity of 90 miles per hour.
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The Boeing Company logo on the property in El Segundo, California Monday, Oct. 26, 2020. (AP)
Citing informed sources, Politico reported that the Ukrainian forces will be receiving never-used-before long-range bombs. After being successfully tested by the Pentagon, the bombs will be delivered to the battlefield today.
The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs, produced by the US military manufacturer, were assessed to travel at a velocity of 90 miles per hour and is expected to be a significant capability for Ukraine.
“It gives them a deeper strike capability they haven’t had, it complements their long-range fire arsenal,” an anonymous US official told Politico. “It’s just an extra arrow in the quiver that’s gonna allow them to do more.”
The newly developed bomb, which is not even possessed by the US inventory is made up of a precision-guided 250-pound bomb and is boosted with a rocket motor.
As Ukraine is dominated in the skies, the ground-launched precise-guided bomb is expected to give them an edge in the current stalemate by allowing them to target Russian forces and infrastructure behind the front lines.
The new innovative bomb is being delivered to Ukraine at a time when Ukraine’s stockpiles of artillery and munitions are running low. The anonymous US officials seem to be bargaining on the bombs to tip the balance in favor of Ukraine.
Read more: NATO eyeing 'military Schengen' for personnel, equipment exchange
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned on Sunday that a reduction in aid from the United States to Kiev would convey a "negative message", highlighting the challenges faced by US President Joe Biden amid a Republican blockade on additional support.
Keeping in mind the possibility of reduced US aid, Zelensky called on Germany to leverage its economic influence to encourage EU partners to provide more support to Kiev in its struggle against Russia.
"Passivity from the United States or the lack of support would be a bad signal," he said as quoted by German national broadcaster ARD. Zelensky cautioned that such a situation would be detrimental for everyone.
In response to a question about whether he expected Berlin to assume a greater role in the event of reduced assistance from the United States, he remarked, "Germany can manage to consolidate the EU." "Many countries have important economic relationships with Germany and their economy is dependent on Germany's decisions because Germany has a strong economy," he said.
Read more: New German leftist party urges Russia talks to end Ukraine war
