High-tech battle in Ukraine

The US has decided to provide Kiev with advanced weapons systems, including AGM-88E (AARGM) missiles and advanced air defense systems such as PATRIOT.

Amid the escalating conflict in Ukraine, the United States has decided to provide Kiev with advanced weapons systems, including AGM-88E anti-radiation missiles (AARGMs) and advanced air defense systems such as PATRIOT and AMRAAM. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the move is aimed at strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities against threats from Russia.

Loading the AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile onto an EA-18G Growler fighter. (Photo source: US DoD)

The AGM-88E AARGM is an advanced air-to-surface missile designed to destroy enemy radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. Unlike the previous HARM version, the AGM-88E AARGM uses a multi-mode seeker that accurately detects and tracks targets even when enemy radar systems are turned off or moving. This increases the ability to identify and neutralize sophisticated air defense systems, thereby effectively supporting Ukraine’s Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) missions.

Ukraine has successfully integrated the AGM-88 HARM on Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters, despite technical difficulties with compatibility. Ukrainian pilots have even gotten creative by using support equipment such as iPads to overcome limitations, allowing them to carry out “wild weasel” missions to provoke and destroy enemy air defense systems. With the AGM-88E AARGM, Ukraine not only has more powerful tools but also achieves greater accuracy in dealing with enemy air defense systems, including advanced S-300 and S-400 complexes. Beyond anti-radiation missiles, the US has also strengthened Ukraine’s air defenses through multi-layered air defense systems such as PATRIOT and AMRAAM.

The US Patriot missile system, one of the world's most advanced air defense systems, provides powerful protection against ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones. (Photo source: US DoD)

AMRAAM, a medium-range air-to-air missile, is also adapted for deployment from ground-based air defense systems such as NASAMS. With a range of approximately 30km, AMRAAM complements PATRIOT by intercepting targets at short and medium ranges, enhancing its layered air defense capabilities, effectively dealing with fast-moving targets at various altitudes. With this capability, Ukraine can maintain a dense defense system while preventing air attacks, especially from enemy drones and cruise missiles.

Since early 2022, the US has delivered a series of air defense systems and hundreds of anti-radiation missiles to Ukraine, with the expectation of helping Ukraine gain strategic air superiority. According to US officials, these missile batches not only have an immediate impact but also help Ukraine maintain long-term air defense capabilities in the context of the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war.

A Russian S-400 air defense missile system drives through Red Square during a military parade in Moscow. (Photo: AP)

Source: https://congthuong.vn/ten-lua-agm-88e-doi-dau-s-400-cuoc-chien-cong-nghe-dinh-cao-tai-ukraine-358261.html