US May Finally Send ATACMS to Ukraine

There are several things that Ukraine has been asking for for a long time. They need to upgrade their military aviation and we know that the first shipment F-16s Basically it’s on its way. They also need more artillery ammunition – sadly, we don’t know how quickly these shells can arrive. Finally, it desperately needs long-range weapons that would allow it to strike deep beyond Russian lines. This wish may come true in the near future.

ATACMS missiles are launched from the same HIMARS and M270 systems that Ukraine already has. The only change is the launch container. Photo credit: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine by Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

NBC News, citing two unnamed U.S. officials, reported that a new military aid package from the U.S. could include ATACMS missiles that could target Russian targets in the occupied Crimean peninsula. This is something Ukraine has been asking for months.

A handful of short-range ATACMS missiles with cluster warheads have already arrived in Ukraine in late 2023. These were old missiles capable of destroying targets up to 160 km away.

Now, two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have revealed to NBC News that if Congress ultimately approves more funding for Ukraine, the U.S. could be the first to pay for the troops. One of the support packages may include long-range ATACMS. He also did not rule out the possibility that the US would ask its allies to supply such missiles to Ukraine.

It is important to remember here how Ukraine got its Western-made tanks. Germany initially did not agree to send its Cheetah 2s to Ukraine, fearing it would expand the geography of the war. This decision was passed only after the US pledged its Abrams tanks as well. If the US sends ATACMS, Germany may finally send its own cruise missiles. Tauruswhich are particularly good at breaking concrete structures.

The MGM-140 ATACMS is a highly accurate tactical ballistic missile with a range of 25 to 300 km. It seems that Ukraine will get missiles that have a range of 300 km. These missiles are launched by the HIMARS and M270 systems that Ukraine already has. Now in Ukraine, these systems primarily fire GMLRS missiles, which are small, light and have a range of only 70 km. ATACMS has been in service since 1991 and there are quite a few of them available.

Russia is targeting Ukraine with Iskander-M and North Korea’s KN-23 ballistic missiles – ATACMS would be only a small step towards equalizing capabilities in this regard. ATACMS would allow Ukraine to further stretch Russian logistics chains, destroying their command posts and warehouses far from the front lines. Crimea’s airports would certainly be affected if any aircraft remained there after multiple cruise missile strikes. Crimean bridge will also be reached soon.

written by Povelas M.

Sources: Tech.wp.pl, Wikipedia