Pentagon's tactic of 'weapons diplomacy' in arms supply for Ukraine

Pentagon's tactic of 'weapons diplomacy' in arms supply for Ukraine

Gearing Up: World Powers Evaluating Increased Production of Top-Tier Munitions for Ukraine

Controversy swirls as the United States pushes forward with plans to escalate the production of critical weaponry for Ukraine. The Pentagon's top weapons buyer recently disclosed these intentions, citing the need for AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, AIM-9X Sidewinders, and PAC-3 MSE surface-to-air interceptors.

In response to Russia's ongoing aggression towards Ukraine, the West is scrambling to beef up Ukraine's defense capabilities. According to William A. LaPlante, the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, the battle for industrial resources has been a relentless test of endurance.

LaPlante has been a driving force in the West's response, collaborating closely with Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister retired Maj. Gen. Oleksandr Serhii as co-chairs of the National Armaments Directors forum. This globally-attended forum consists of officials from over 40 countries, NATO, and the European Union, meeting regularly to strategize aid for Ukraine.

"We call it production diplomacy," LaPlante states. The goal: expedite delivery of essential supplies to Ukraine, in hopes of shortening waiting times and ensuring a swift response to Russia's aggression.

As the conflict drags on, Russia has sought help from territorial partners, including Iran, who recently began sending short-range ballistic missiles and drones to Russia. North Korea has reportedly provided ammunition and ballistic missiles to aid Russia as well. China, while not directly supplying weapons, has provided crucial components to Russia's defense industry, enabling Moscow to manufacture its own arms.

LaPlante's efforts have been instrumental in ensuring Ukraine receives the artillery and air defenses it needs to keep up with the looming threat. Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated that national armaments directors are working diligently to translate Ukraine's needs into expanded production lines and expedited deliveries of key capabilities.

On September 10th, the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Iran for providing ballistic missiles to Russia, which are believed to have a range of around 75 miles. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder explained that this move would strengthen Russia's arsenal by enabling it to employ this capability while preserving its more extensive range capabilities for use throughout the battlefield.

Ukraine must prioritize both close-in defense and medium- to long-range protection, as well as defending strategic centers of gravity such as population centers, energy infrastructure, and defense facilities. Ballistic missiles are notoriously difficult to intercept, and Russia employs a diverse array of threats, ranging from drones to cruise missiles and aircraft. Ukraine has reportedly taken down 97 Russian combat aircraft since the war's inception, according to Austin.

One crucial air defense munition that continues to be in high demand is the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Variants of the AMRAAM serve as interceptors for Ukraine's National Advanced Surface-to Air-Missile (NASAMS) air defense systems, and the munition will also be employed by Ukraine's new F-16 fighters. The armament directors forum has already made substantial strides in integrating thousands of air-to-ground munitions for use with Ukraine's current aircraft and donated F-16s.

AMRAAMs are a cornerstone of Western air forces' fighter payloads, intended for taking down aerial threats. The United States recently reached an agreement with Japan to increase co-production of AMRAAMs, with plans to expand production beyond the United States.

However, it remains unclear which countries are actively considering expanding the production of AIM-120 AMRAAMs in direct response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. General trends in missile production and air defense expansion among NATO and allied nations point towards increased investment in these areas, but explicit confirmations of AIM-120 production expansion are yet to surface in public records. Keep an eye out for updates on this developing situation.

1. The Pentagon's focus on increasing the production of AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinders, and PAC-3 MSE surface-to-air interceptors is a response to the ongoing Russian aggression towards Ukraine.
2. Amidst this conflict, Russia has been seeking assistance from territorial partners such as Iran, who have been sending short-range ballistic missiles and drones, and North Korea, who have provided ammunition and ballistic missiles.
3. LaPlante's efforts, as the undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, have been instrumental in ensuring Ukraine receives essential supplies, including air defense munitions like the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
4. Russia employs a diverse array of threats, ranging from drones to cruise missiles and aircraft, making it crucial for Ukraine to prioritize both close-in defense and medium- to long-range protection, as well as defending strategic centers of gravity.
5. Co-production of AMRAAMs has recently been agreed upon between the United States and Japan, with plans to expand production beyond the United States, showing a global focus on strengthening air force capabilities for defense purposes.

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