Influx of Javelin missiles to Ukraine could balance out David vs Goliath equation: Fareed Zakaria
India Today
The first batch of Javelin missiles was delivered in 2018. Ukraine is waiting for the second batch that has been pending since 2019.
The US-made anti-tank Javelin missile could be a solution to Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine, said Geopolitical expert Fareed Zakaria.
While speaking to India Today on Saturday, Fareed Zakaria said that the Javelin missile could help balance out the Russian-Ukraine equation a bit. “One of the things that could be effective are the javelin missiles as they would allow ordinary Ukrainian soldiers to attack Russian tanks. It changes the David vs Goliath equation a little bit,” he said when asked about the kind of military aid that could be offered by the US.
The Javelin missile has been a critical demand on the wish list of Ukrainian forces. Even though the first batch was delivered in 2018, Ukraine is awaiting the second tranche that has been pending since 2019.
ALSO READ | As Russia invades Ukraine, here's how the armies are stacked up against each other
The US has announced an aid of weapons worth $ 350 million. However, it is yet to be clear whether it will include the Javelin and anti-aircraft Stinger missiles that Ukraine needs.
It is one of the advanced portable anti-tank missiles in the world with a new tested range of five kilometres that is potent against tanks and armoured personnel carriers that transport ground troops close to the areas of assault.
The Javelin was to be deployed in insurgency-hit areas of Eastern Ukraine as a deterrent to Russia-backed separatist groups.
