Will Ukraine get the weapon that can change the direction of the war against Russia?

Amid the Russia-Ukraine war that has been going on for 934 days, Ukrainian President Zelensky has once again sought permission from his allies, the Western countries, to attack Russia's strategic targets. In his address last night, Zelensky said that this war can be resolved only by destroying Russia's military targets with long-range missiles.

On the other hand, America and Britain, which had decided to give long-range missiles to Ukraine till last week, are on the back foot after Putin's warning. Britain's Foreign Minister David Lammy has described Putin's warning as 'boastfulness'.

A few days ago, it was told in media reports that the Biden administration may reportedly decide to supply AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) to Ukraine.

When Putin was questioned about this, he gave a stern warning to America and NATO, Putin said that if Russia is attacked with long-range missiles, then it will be considered that NATO is directly involved in this war. After Putin's warning, the White House had to issue a statement, in this statement it was said that at present no decision has been taken on supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine.

According to reports, the JASSM missile can play an important role in increasing Ukraine's military capabilities. The biggest feature of this missile is that it is very difficult to intercept, so it is believed that if Ukraine gets it, it can change the condition and direction of the ongoing war with Russia.

The JASSM missile is a modern, stealth cruise missile with a range of about 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) while its extended range variant (JASSM-ER) has a range of over 1,000 kilometers (about 621 miles). Its design is such that it is difficult for the enemy to detect and intercept it. It is capable of carrying a thousand-pound warhead and hitting the target with precision.

America started the production of the JASSM missile in the year 2001. In 2014, it was included in the American Air Force. America has used 19 JASSM missiles in the Syrian war. According to experts, when America used this missile in Syria, the Russian air defense system was not able to intercept even one of these missiles.

According to a US official, efforts are being made to make the JASSM missile capable of operating with the fighter aircraft already possessed by Ukraine. But information was not given about which fighter aircraft it is being made suitable for use with. So far it can be used only with US-made aircraft. However, even if the US decides to give this missile, it may take months for Ukraine to get its delivery.