Ukraine Strikes Russian Bases with US-Supplied “ATACMS” Missiles
Previously, the United States was concerned that Ukraine's use of ATACMS could be perceived by Russia as a provocation, leading Russia to introduce more dangerous weapon systems into the conflict in Ukraine.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Ukraine has reportedly attacked Russian military bases housing helicopters and various other military assets in Berdyansk and Luhansk using long-range guided missiles, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) supplied secretly by the United States.
Both Ukraine and Russia have confirmed the use of American-made ATACMS guided missiles for the first time in the conflict against both of these Russian military bases.
Initially, Washington was hesitant to provide long-range ATACMS guided missiles to Ukraine out of concern that their use could further escalate the conflict that began in February last year.
The United States was worried that Russia would perceive Ukraine’s use of ATACMS as a provocation and respond by introducing more dangerous weaponry into the conflict in Ukraine.
However, before obtaining long-range ATACMS guided missiles, Ukraine had already been supplied with long-range cruise missiles, “Storm Shadow” and “SCALP-EG,” which have an extended operational range.
Both “Storm Shadow” and “SCALP-EG” guided missiles, developed by Britain and France, are launched from fighter aircraft.
Both Russian military bases targeted by ATACMS guided missile attacks are located far from the front lines and are used by the Russian side to support their military campaign in Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian military, the ATACMS guided missile attacks supplied by the United States successfully destroyed nine helicopters, an ammunition storage facility, air defense systems, and runways.
Some Russian military personnel at these bases also lost their lives in the guided missile attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky confirmed the use of long-range ATACMS guided missiles supplied by the United States in his country’s military campaign against the Russian invasion in the southern part of the country.
The delivery of American-made ATACMS guided missiles, with a range of over 300 km, took place nearly a year after Ukraine requested their supply.
However, the variant of ATACMS guided missiles used in the attacks on the Russian military bases in Berdyansk and Luhansk was equipped with cluster munitions and had a range capability of up to 150 km.
According to military analysts, the use of the M39 variant of long-range ATACMS guided missiles is effective in attacks on military bases and larger military targets compared to specific targets like bridges or buildings.
The ATACMS guided missiles, developed by the American defense firm Lockheed Martin, were launched from High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicles. — DSA
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