All articles tagged with #long range strike
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) says it struck the Lukoil-Permnefteorgsintez refinery and a nearby pumping station in Perm, Russia—more than 1,500 km from Ukraine—marking the refinery’s third strike. The attack reportedly caused a fire at a primary oil processing unit and damaged a storage tank, part of Kyiv’s broader effort to disrupt Russia’s fuel supply and military logistics.
Germany warns of a growing long-range strike capability gap as the planned US deployment of Tomahawk/SM-6 missiles in Germany is jeopardized by a potential US troop withdrawal; Defense Minister Boris Pistorius says Europe must compensate, outlining three pillars: modernizing Taurus missiles including Taurus Neo, pursuing market-based launchers like Typhon with possible US assistance, and advancing the European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) with the UK and France, though timelines remain unclear due to industrial and political factors.
Ukraine conducted a long-range strike more than 1,000 km into Russia, hitting a state institute in Cheboksary that assembles components for high-precision weapons, using domestically produced Flamingo cruise missiles. Zelenskyy released footage of the launches and announced a ceasefire starting 5–6 May ahead of Moscow’s Victory Day parade, which has been scaled back. Russia reported internet and banking disruptions amid security measures, while analysts note ongoing Ukrainian counterattacks and battlefield strain.
Europe is years away from fielding sovereign defense enablers to deter or defeat Russia without U.S. help, with air and missile defenses likely not ready until the early 2030s. Strategic lift and tanker capacity are closer, but critical gaps remain in command-and-control, space-based ISR, space infrastructure, and long-range strike, requiring intensified investment and pan-European programs amid uncertain U.S. presence.
Laser weapons offer benefits like low cost and rapid engagement but cannot replace missiles due to limitations in range, atmospheric interference, line-of-sight constraints, and platform integration. Instead, they are seen as complementary tools within layered defense systems for specific roles.
The Ukrainian Flamingo cruise missile, with a range of 3,000 km and a large warhead, is a significant development that could enhance Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russian rear infrastructure, potentially impacting the course of the conflict. Experts highlight its effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and strategic importance, though it is not a game changer by itself but part of a broader strategy.
The U.S. Army has confirmed the receipt of its first operational Precision Strike Missiles (PrSMs), which provide an early operational capability ahead of a formal declaration of initial operational capability next year. The PrSMs are designed to engage static targets and can be fired from existing launchers. The Army plans to acquire at least 3,986 PrSMs and is also working on future variants with improved capabilities, including engaging moving targets and extending the maximum range. The introduction of PrSMs enhances the Army's long-range strike capabilities.
A video has surfaced showing a Russian Lancet drone hitting a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter at an air base, indicating that the drones now have an extended range of up to 50 miles. The small and inexpensive drones, produced by a subsidiary of Russia's Kalashnikov arms manufacturer, have become increasingly utilized by Russia in the ongoing conflict. The development poses a new challenge for the Ukrainian air force, as the main air bases were previously out of reach for these small attack drones. The drones are difficult to intercept due to their slow speed and low flying altitude, making them effective against light-armored vehicles, artillery systems, and older tanks.
Australia has announced its plans to purchase over 200 Tomahawk cruise missiles from the US for its navy, joining the small group of countries with this missile technology. The deal, worth 1.3 billion Australian dollars, highlights Australia's efforts to boost its defense capacity and prepare for potential threats. The country is also considering developing its own domestic missile manufacturing capabilities.
Australia needs to increase its defense spending, produce its own munitions, and have the ability to strike targets at a greater distance to cope with regional security challenges, according to a government-commissioned review. The report points to China's military buildup as a growing security threat and recommends establishing domestic production and accelerated acquisition of long-range strike and guided weapons. The review also calls for closer military cooperation with the US, Japan, India, Pacific and Southeast Asian nations, and the development of cyber and space defense capabilities. The government should spend more on defense than the current expenditure of 2% of GDP, it says.
Australia's government will prioritize long-range precision strike, domestic production of guided weapons, and diplomacy in its biggest defense shakeup since World War Two. The review recommends that Australia must avoid the highest level of strategic risk it now faces as a nation, the prospect of major conflict in the region. The country's northern bases will become a focus to deter adversaries, and protect trade routes and communications. The review outlines three phases to reshape defense capabilities, with immediate priorities over the next two years including fitting longer-range weapons on existing platforms, accelerating new capabilities from 2026-2030, and delivering a "future integrated force" from 2031.