World: JDAMs: Ukraine’s New Killer U.S. Weapon Going to War Against Russia

Who is Volodymyr Zelenskyy? The past, present and future of the Ukrainian president

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Ukraine's sixth president whose tenure has been consumed largely with the war after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Biden invited Zelenskyy to address Congress to reinforce the U.S. “stands with Ukraine for as long as it takes.” Zelenskyy has entered the international eye largely since the war began and is TIME Magazine's Person of the Year 2022.

© Provided by 1945 Russia Tank Ukraine JDAM – Satellite-Guided Bombs Headed to Ukraine: The White House will, for the first time, send Patriot air and missile defense systems to Ukraine, along with Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), as part of a $1.8 billion military aid package that was unveiled last week. (Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel Here. Check out More 19FortyFive Videos Here) The announcement, made just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington, D.C., reveals the United States federal government’s willingness to provide advanced weapons previously considered risky to send to Ukraine. While the Patriot missile systems dominated the headlines, the supply of JDAMs to Ukraine is by no means insignificant and could help Ukrainian forces by giving new life and capabilities to “dumb” munitions.

What Are JDAMs?

Joint Direct Attack Munitions kits are designed to convert regular unguided aerial munitions into “smart bombs.”

2022 has been a 'dismal year of failure' for Putin and invading Ukraine has left Russia 'poorer and more isolated than for decades,' NATO chief says

The Russian military is estimated to have suffered 100,000 casualties in Ukraine so far, and the Russian economy fell into a recession in November.Stoltenberg said 2022 has been "a year of dismal failure" for Putin, saying the Russian leader made "two big strategic mistakes when he launched his brutal full-fledged invasion" of Ukraine.

The aim is to ensure that Ukraine’s missile strikes are as accurate and efficient as possible at a time when Russian forces are specifically working to cause as much damage as possible while forcing Ukraine to use up its supply of precision-guided rockets to destroy incoming Russian attacks.

The JDAM kit was created as a solution for Air Force leaders during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. JDAM became a replacement for a more expensive system, known as the Paveway II, which was used in limited quantities during the end of the Vietnam War.

The older kit, which was attached to Mark-80 bombs, proved less effective than intended as a result of smoke and sandstorms obstructing the laser beams used to guide the weapon. The JDAM was designed to use a newly-created constellation of GPS satellites, allowing the rockets to find their targets in all weather conditions.

Every JDAM kit comes with tailfins that can be attached to missiles for steering purposes, as well as the guidance package and control systems, and strakes that can also be attached to the bomb to give it some gliding capacity and more stability.

Vladimir Putin refuses to use the internet because he's afraid people will spy on him, the Wall Street Journal reported

Russian President Vladimir Putin has historically avoided using the internet because he's worried that people may spy on his activity, per a report.Citing US and Russian officials, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that the Russian leader has long refused to be online, fearing digital surveillance. In doing so, he has become reliant on physical documents provided by advisors — including time-sensitive material.

The kit can be used with multiple forms of missiles, including Mk 84, Mk 83, and Mk 82 “dumb” bombs. The JDAM guidance package uses an inertial navigation system combined with a GPS receiver which allows operators to fire the rocket with a greater degree of accuracy. Upgraded rockets can be fired at targets and hit those intended targets within tens of feet in all weather conditions. Upgraded rockets become “fire and forget” ammunition, allowing the aircraft used to fire them to turn away after they are launched. For Ukrainian forces focused heavily on targeting incoming Russian rockets and drone strikes, JDAMs will provide a new and accurate way of attacking Russian ground forces and ground-based military equipment. Not only are JDAMs convenient and easy for Ukrainian forces to install on existing ammunition, but they’re cost-effective, too.

In fiscal year 2021, the United States Air Force paid $21,000 on average per JDAM kit.

Russians escaping Putin's war on Ukraine find a new home – and a moral dilemma

To avoid being sent to fight in Ukraine, many Russians flee their country for neighboring Georgia. But Ukrainians ask: What have you done to help us?— Valeriya Boyko, 25, displaced Ukrainian from the eastern Donetsk region

More: Is Donald Trump Going Crazy? More: Could Mike Pence Beat Donald Trump in 2024? More: NATO vs. Russia – What World War III Would Look Like Jack Buckby is 19FortyFive’s Breaking News Editor.

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