Ukraine has started using US-supplied long-range missiles on the battlefield, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The missiles, known as ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems), have a range of just over 100 miles and are designed to strike high-value Russian targets deep behind the front lines. The missiles are equipped with cluster munitions, which release numerous smaller bomblets over a wide area. This technology, initially delayed due to concerns over escalating the conflict, is now seen as a critical asset for Ukraine’s efforts to penetrate Russian defenses.
The Ukrainian military first used the ATACMS to target an airfield in the Russian-occupied city of Berdyansk, confirming their operational deployment. These weapons are part of a larger arms package provided by the United States, which recently authorized their transfer following Ukraine’s persistent requests for advanced weaponry to counter Russian advances. The arrival of ATACMS follows Ukraine’s use of British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, but the ATACMS’ extended range and precision bring new capabilities to the table, potentially changing the dynamics of Ukraine’s counteroffensive
For Ukraine, the use of these advanced systems may provide the much-needed firepower to break through entrenched Russian positions, especially as their counteroffensive efforts have shown limited success in recent months.
