EXCLUSIVE U.S. aims to arm Ukraine with advanced anti-ship missiles to fight Russian blockade

[mucifer]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON, May 19 (Reuters) - The White House is working to put advanced anti-ship missiles in the hands of Ukrainian fighters to help defeat Russia's naval blockade, officials said, amid concerns more powerful weapons that could sink Russian warships would intensify the conflict.

Ukraine has made no secret it wants more advanced U.S. capabilities beyond its current inventory of artillery, Javelin and Stinger missiles, and other arms. Kyiv's list, for example, includes missiles that could push the Russian navy away from its Black Sea ports, allowing the restart of shipments of grain and other agricultural products worldwide.

Current and former U.S. officials and congressional sources have cited roadblocks to sending longer range, more powerful weapons to Ukraine that include lengthy training requirements, difficulties maintaining equipment, or concerns U.S. weaponry could be captured by Russian forces, in addition to the fear of escalation.

But three U.S. officials and two congressional sources said two types of powerful anti-ship missiles, the Harpoon made by Boeing (BA.N) and the Naval Strike Missile made by Kongsberg (KOG.OL) and Raytheon Technologies (RTX.N) were in active consideration for either direct shipment to Ukraine, or through a transfer from a European ally that has the missiles.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/exclusive-us-aims-arm-ukraine-with-advanced-anti-ship-missiles-fight-russian-2022-05-19/

[questionseverything]

1. If we don't help break this russian blockade

We are going to see starvation on a massive scale

[Evolve Dammit]

2. Hope they are effective. I trust the Ukrainians with the needed armament.

[speak easy]

9. the Russians have subs in the Black Sea

[Igel]

11. A point that seems to have been lost.

Let's not forget the mines.

(And another anti-ship "Harpoon"? Can't we find different names?)

[Ray Bruns]

19. The Harpoon anti ship missile has been around since the 80's. We had them on the

ship I was on.

[Happy Hoosier]

21. The Harpoon is one of the first ASMs.

Obviously, the modern version is very upgraded, but like the Sidewinder AAM, it's been around a long time... developed in the 1970's.

[wnylib]

12. I'm guessing that we do, too.

So if Russia wants to escalate to that level..........

[yaesu]

3. I hope they can make this happen soon & thorough training on the system so they don't miss

[nycbos]

4. Maybe we shouldn't be publicizing this?

[gab13by13]

6. I was going to post the same thing,

WTF, unless it's a bluff?

[2naSalit]

17. +1

Wonder how/why this is public info.

[PortTack]

5. Best news of the day!! Not only stop world starvation, but help save Odessa

[Justice matters.]

7. All that stuff should remain secret IMHO

Like in STFU please.

What's the point of telling all that loud and clear to the insane putler??

He doesn't need spies anymore, the press is revealing everything for free!

[TomSlick]

13. The press reveals only what DoD and the Department of State want told.

The message is clear: Russian Navy, pull way-the-hell off shore or see your surface crafts converted to artificial reefs.

[Happy Hoosier]

22. I suspect the release is meant to have an effect on the Russians.

Sometimes you WANT the bad guys to know if you have a big ass stick.

[relayerbob]

8. Nah, no need to be secret

Several possibilities, or a combination of all: 1 - Trial balloon to see what the reaction is; 2 -prior warning and a gradual ramp up in pressure (frog boiling); 3 - Complete misdirection and they are really sending something else, either with or without these missiles. We already know they are sending unmanned boats, for all we know these missiles are already in theater. Assume that the majority of what's being put out there in the press is intentional.

Also, maybe a warning to Russia, drop the blockade or we drop your fleet to the bottom of the Black Sea

[TomSlick]

10. The Russian blockade of Ukrainian ports is an attack on the world.

If Ukraine cannot export grain, there will wide-spread starvation in the third world.

The U.S. Navy conducts "freedom of the seas" operations around the world. The Russian Navy has no greater right to operate in the Black Sea than the U.S. Navy. If Erdogan attempts to ban the U.S. Navy from the Bosporus, the Navy should run it and dare Putin's buddy to try to stop them. Erdogan needs to decide if Turkey stands with NATO or with Putin.

It's time to open the Black Sea to navigation.

[AverageOldGuy]

14. Well, speaking as an old soldier . . .

. . . whose motto was: "Passport? I don't need no stinking passport -- I have a green beret and an M-16!!"

The anti-ship missiles and other advanced weapons would not require a lot of training if we sent US "trainers" with the weapons.

[GregariousGroundhog]

15. Could the United States manufacture Neptune missiles on Ukraine's behalf?

I'm curious how long it would take for the United States to set up a manufacturing line for that sort of thing. It would certainly alleviate some of the concerns raised around training and maintaining equipment and also allows plausible deniability around escalation concerns.

[EndlessWire]

16. This is certainly a matter

of grave importance. I also trust the Ukrainians with the equipment. Sink all the Russian ships; take out the Sevastopol port, and pound Crimea.

The UN has already taken note that a whole lot of the world will physically, not just monetarily, face starvation and food shortages if this nonsense by Russia is not ended. I want Ukraine to prevail in everyway possible, and I want them armed to the teeth to deal with the Russian navy. They have an absolute right to protect Odesa, and the Russian ships and subs have got to be neutralized.

Russia will not suddenly change its tactics. It is successful because it is willing to bomb entire cities to the ground, killing noncombatants indiscriminately and without remorse. THAT'S what it will do to Odesa if allowed. So, ship those anti-ship missiles pronto.

[oldsoftie]

18. WHY do we keep telling the world what we're doing?

I know eventually it gets out, but I'd rather it be AFTER more Russian ships sit at the bottom

[Happy Hoosier]

23. Because the point in this case is less to sink ships....

than to convince said ships they are vulnerable. It's a warning as much as anything.

[The Jungle 1]

20. I would bet that if Reuters has this information they were meant to have it.

This is a very big chess match with strategy that will never be reveled.

[Roc2020]

24. Still getting more dangerous every passing day

The U.S is all in. At what point will they just state the obvious. As long as the U.S exist Russia will not win. Stop with the facade.