In holding off the Russian invaders for two years, Ukraine has defied expectations. Although Ukraine has fought valiantly, the resistance would not be possible without the extensive Western donations, namely cash, intelligence, and military equipment, that Ukraine has received since the beginning of the conflict.

Most notably, Ukraine is in the process of receiving fourth-generation F-16 fighters (which Zelensky had lobbied for incessantly).

It has already received scores of other equipment, including surface-to-air missiles, tanks, handheld anti-tank systems like the FGM-148, and various drone systems.

Ukraine will undoubtedly continue pleading for the donation of Western military products. And why not? To date, Western nations have proven highly receptive to Ukraine’s arguments, that propping up Ukraine is vital to the security interests of Europe.

So while NATO nations and her tax-paying citizens seem to be growing fatigued with the fiscal requirements of supporting Ukraine, expect some form of aid to keep trickling in – lest NATO appear to be abandoning Ukraine.

So, let’s consider what military equipment would most benefit the Ukrainian cause.

One: Nuclear Weapons for Ukraine? 

I’m being mildly facetious, but the simple fact is that no weapon would aid the Ukrainians as immediately and convincingly as a nuclear weapon.

History has demonstrated that nations in possession of nuclear weapons don’t get invaded. Had Ukraine possessed nuclear weapons prior to February 2022, the Russian invasion would have been highly unlikely.

If Ukraine were gifted nuclear weapons now, they would perhaps have sufficient leverage to inspire Russia to withdraw and desist.

Now, I’m not advocating that Ukraine should receive nuclear weapons from her Western allies. Quite the opposite. Giving Ukraine a nuke would be completely irresponsible, for if Ukraine were given nuclear weapons it would likely lead, directly, into a nuclear exchange with Russia, which would be cataclysmic for the Eurasian continent and perhaps humanity itself.

Millions would die. Once-densely populated cities would become uninhabitable, excacerbating Europe’s already severe refugee crisis. Wheat shortages would lead to mass starvation.

Nukes to Ukraine would be bad. But as far as getting the Russians out of the Donbas, nuclear weapons are your most efficient weapons system.

Two, Fifth-Generation Fighters Like the F-35

Ukraine has been “outgunned and outnumbered” in the battle for the airspace above Ukraine. Remarkably, Ukraine has managed to deny the airspace to Russia – but Russia still maintains an advantage, mostly through the possession of aircraft that are superior to the Ukrainian aircraft.

But Russia’s aircraft is not cutting edge – they happen to be better than the aircraft Ukraine has presently.

America, however, who happens to be the primary bankroller of the Ukrainian effort, is in possession of fifth-generation fighter technology (and has even exported fifth-generation fighter technology), which would give Ukraine an automatic advantage in the skies over Russia.

While America has never exported the F-22 air superiority fighter, they have exported the multirole F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The F-35 would immensely expand the capabilities of the Ukrainian air defense; with industry leading radar systems and advanced missiles, the F-35 would allow the Ukrainians to engage Russian aircraft from further away, likely further than the Russians could answer from.

The distance advantage would allow Ukraine to start chipping away at Russian front lines, and air defense networks, and aircraft – gradually beginning to turn the tide of the conflict.

Now, Ukraine will not be receiving fifth-generation fighters – this article is merely a thought exercise about what weapons would be most helpful to the Ukrainians.

In reality, Ukraine has struggled to procure fourth-generation fighters, like the F-16, from the hands of Western allies. Don’t count on Zelensky charming the Americans out of any F-35s.

Three: Hypersonic Missiles for Ukraine? 

Hypersonic missiles are the cutting edge of missile technology.

Most nations do not possess, nor have attempted to build, hypersonic missiles. Even America, which possesses – by far – the world’s largest military budget, does not possess operational hypersonic missiles. Russia, however, has set the curve regarding hypersonic missile development with the Avangard, Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, 2M22 Zircon, and R-37 hypersonic missile systems. (For what it’s worth, China also possesses hypersonic missiles, which places the US at a disadvantage in the Indo-Pacific.)

Ukraine will not be receiving hypersonic missiles – her allies don’t have any hypersonic missiles to give.

The US is getting closer, with a variety of development programs, like the Boeing X-51 Waverider, the AIM-260 JATM, and the Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-Surface (HALO) anti-ship missile all in development.

So, there’s nothing for any Westerners to give the Ukrainians with respect to hypersonic missiles. But in theory, hypersonic missiles would allow for the effective targeting of Russians targets at (and beyond) the front line.

About the Author: Harrison Kass 

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken. Email the Author: [email protected].