The multiple-launch rocket system can fire 12 surface-to-surface missiles within a minute and can strike targets within 50 miles with pinpoint accuracy
Despite a warning from Russia, the Secretary of State for Defence, United Kingdom (U.K.) – Ben Wallace has announced to send its long-range missiles to Ukraine, to fight the Russian troops.
This comes days after United States (U.S.) confirmed to send its own M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This has already angered Russia and the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin has said to strike new targets if U.S. sends those long-range missiles to Ukraine.
The multiple-launch rocket system can fire 12 surface-to-surface missiles within a minute and can strike targets within 50 miles (80 kms.) with pinpoint accuracy. Ben Wallace also said that the Ukrainian military will get training in the U.K. on how to use the launchers.
Speaking on the occasion, Wallace said, “As Russia’s tactics change, so must our support to Ukraine. These highly capable multiple-launch rocket systems will enable our Ukrainian friends to better protect themselves against the brutal use of long-range artillery, which Putin’s forces have used indiscriminately to flatten cities.”
Taking it to twitter, the Prime Minister of U.K. – Boris Johnson tweeted,
We cannot stand by while Russian long-range artillery flattens cities and kills innocent civilians.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 6, 2022
The UK will gift the Ukrainian Armed Forces multiple-launch rocket systems so they can effectively repel the continuing Russian onslaught. https://t.co/kuwrwUUPWo
Johnson also spoke to the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy and assured him of unwavering support in defending their country.
Johnson tweeted,
President @ZelenskyyUa just updated me on the ongoing battle against Russian aggression in the Donbas.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) June 6, 2022
It's clear the Ukrainian people will not bow to Russian brutality. We're unwavering in our mission of ensuring Ukraine is defended and supported for the long-term. pic.twitter.com/eiW0buOrX4
Zelenskyy had been long asking the West for heavy artillery. It is struggling to combat Russia’s vast artillery arsenal.
Besides, the U.K. has also delivered more than 5,000 next generation light anti-tank weapons – known as Nlaw to Ukraine. It has also sent short-range Brimstone 1 missiles, Mastiff armoured vehicles and Starstreak missile air defence systems. The cost of military support extended to Ukraine is in tune of £ 750 million.
Several other countries have pledged to send advanced weapons to Ukraine. Germany has promised to send its most modern air defence system – the Iris-T – to enable Ukraine to shield an entire city from Russian air attacks.
Separately, the Justice Secretary of U.K. – Dominic Raab said that U.K. will offer a specialist team of lawyers and police officers to assist the chief prosecutor investigating alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine. The offer will include a Metropolitan Police officer stationed in the International Criminal Court in The Hague, in the Netherlands, who will provide the ICC’s prosecutor with greater access to British police and military expertise.
