Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS and a leading expert in missile defense, discusses the critical role of missiles in global conflicts. He highlights escalating tensions in Ukraine and Russia's nuclear threats, particularly focusing on the RS-26 missile. The effectiveness of U.S. missile support, like the Precision Strike Missile (PRISM), is examined alongside the strategic dilemmas posed by North Korea and Iran. Karako underscores the need for military readiness and a coherent strategy to navigate these complex geopolitical dynamics.
The significance of standoff missiles is emphasized, showcasing how they enhance Ukraine's capabilities against Russian aggression in the ongoing war.
Cautious U.S. arms supply decisions reflect concerns over escalating tensions with Russia, highlighting the need for effective strategies in global military engagements.
Deep dives
The Importance of Standoff Missiles
The discussion highlights the critical role of standoff missiles in modern warfare, particularly in the context of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. These weapons provide significant distance and capability to strike effectively, which President Zelensky emphasizes by calling for longer-range strikes against Russian forces. The Biden administration's decision to supply ATACMS to Ukraine indicates a shift towards enabling Ukraine to respond more effectively to Russian aggression and indicates a broader demand for standoff capabilities globally. This is underscored by Russia’s development of new missile systems, including nuclear-capable ones, aimed at maintaining a strategic deterrent against NATO forces.
U.S. Strategic Concerns and Military Support
The podcast examines the cautious approach of the Biden administration in supplying arms to Ukraine amidst concerns over escalating tensions with Russia. This hesitance extended to the production levels of ATACMS, which were previously limited, but the introduction of the new Precision Strike Missile allows for increased support to Ukraine. The use of various missile systems, including the guided MLRS and GLSDB, provides Ukraine with the necessary tools to conduct longer-range operations against Russian supply lines. Moreover, there is a clear recognition that Ukraine needs substantial quantities of artillery and missile systems to effectively counter the ongoing conflict.
Future Implications of Military Engagement
Concerns about Russia's use of nuclear threats are prevalent, particularly with the change in U.S. administrations approaching. The ongoing conflict also draws parallels with the U.S. military's global engagements, especially in the Middle East, indicating a need for cohesive strategies across different theaters of operation. The podcast suggests that decisively winning the conflict in Ukraine would align with the U.S. national security interests, especially in the context of great power competition with Russia and China. Ultimately, a focus on winning rather than managing conflict is advocated as essential to bring a resolution to the war in Ukraine while ensuring that U.S. resources are effectively utilized.
CSIS’s director of the Missile Defense Project Tom Karako joins the podcast to talk about missile escalations in the Ukraine Russia war, plus how missiles are critical to the conflicts in the Middle East.
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