In the 494th resolution of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, adopted on November 25 in Montreal, Canada, which focuses on countering Russian aggression, several intriguing points are highlighted. For instance, there is a call to intensify all efforts to ensure that Ukraine becomes the 33rd, or next, member of the Alliance as soon as possible. Additionally, the resolution states:
"Provide Ukraine with all means, including medium-range missiles for self-defense and further deterrence of Russian aggression." The resolution also reminds of Ukraine's full right to strike the aggressor's territory in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Based on this, it seems possible to draw very positive conclusions, because if NATO is discussing long-range missiles that can target Russian territory, what issues could arise?
However, the fact is that the NATO Parliamentary Assembly is not exactly NATO; it is completely independent and does not serve as its governing or controlling body. It is a separate inter-parliamentary organization that provides consultations, recommendations, and can urge NATO members to take action.
Nonetheless, such open and straightforward rhetoric is already an asset for Ukraine. By the way, the same assembly declared Russia a terrorist state in November 2022 and, in May 2024, called for the removal of any restrictions on Ukraine's strikes against Russia.
Another issue is that among the medium-range missiles mentioned in NATO, only the Tomahawk can be referenced, which is in the arsenal of the USA and the United Kingdom. Currently, the British are the only export operators who have ordered a total of 214 missiles for ships and submarines since 1995, some of which have been used. All other Tomahawks are in the USA, and even their future operators, Australia and Japan, are not NATO members. Of course, the USA, which is currently undergoing a presidential administration transition, could also provide AGM-158 JASSM, particularly in the ER version, which boasts an impressive range of 900 km.
Among other options, France remains a possibility. The French Navy has a very limited number of MdCN cruise missiles. This missile is based on the SCALP design but has a range of 1000 km and a warhead weight of 250 kg, serving as the French equivalent of the Tomahawk for naval deployment.
Moreover, among European NATO countries, only Turkey possesses missiles with a range exceeding 300 km. Ankara engaged in somewhat discreet cooperation with Beijing in the 1990s and localized the production of ballistic B-611 missiles, known as J-600T Yıldırım. This enabled the launch of a national missile program, currently resulting in not only the Tayfun with a range exceeding 500 km but also a development project with a range of 1000 kilometers.