The United Kingdom has announced its decision to include Paveway IV laser-guided bombs in its latest military aid package to Ukraine. The Paveway IV is a precision-guided bomb that utilizes either GPS or laser guidance to strike its targets accurately. Developed by Raytheon’s British division, it has been a part of the UK’s arsenal since 2008 and is also used by Saudi Arabia. The bomb weighs 230 kg and can be deployed from aircraft to hit targets at distances over 30 km, depending on the altitude and trajectory of release.
This inclusion in the military aid package, which totals a record £500 million (approximately $617 million), represents the UK’s largest-ever single tranche of military support to Ukraine. Although the exact number of Paveway IV bombs and the timeline for delivery have not been specified, their addition is expected to significantly enhance the Ukrainian military’s capacity to conduct precise strikes against Russian forces.
The UK’s decision to provide such advanced munitions comes as Ukraine continues to face intense military pressure from Russian forces, which have also employed precision-guided munitions extensively throughout the conflict. The Paveway IV bombs are expected to help Ukraine target high-value assets like command centers and air defenses.
This move by the UK complements other contributions from Western allies, including the United States, which has also pledged substantial military aid to Ukraine. The latest US package includes a $1 billion tranche aimed at addressing Ukraine’s most pressing military needs.
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