US Confirms Delivery of ATACMS Missiles to Ukraine for Long-Range Operations Against Russian Forces.

According to a tweet published by the U.S. Missions to NATO, on November 29, 2023, the United States officially confirms the delivery to Ukraine of ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) giving Ukrainian Forces to strike deep-area targets in their country to deny Russia’s forces a safe haven.
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A U.S. M142 HIMARS fires an ATACMS missile at White Sands Missile Range on November 13, 2023. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The United States' mission to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is to promote and maintain the security and defense of its member countries in North America and Europe.

The United States, Allies and partners, are committed to providing Ukraine’s forces with the military assistance they need to succeed on the battlefield against Russian armed forces.

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a surface-to-surface missile system used by the United States Army. Designed for long-range precision strikes, it provides the military with a significant tactical advantage on the battlefield. The ATACMS can be launched from multiple rocket launchers, such as the M270 and HIMARS platforms, and is intended for attacking high-value targets with great accuracy. This system is particularly effective in neutralizing enemy positions, command centers, and clustered troop formations.

Technologically, the ATACMS features a single-stage, solid-propellant rocket motor and comes equipped with various warhead options. The missile has a range of approximately 160 to 300 kilometers, depending on the model. Its guidance system typically uses GPS and inertial navigation to achieve pinpoint accuracy, minimizing collateral damage and maximizing effectiveness against intended targets. This precision, combined with its long-range, makes the ATACMS a strategic asset in controlling vast battlefield areas.

Over the years, the ATACMS has been upgraded to enhance its capabilities. These upgrades include improvements in its guidance systems, range, and payload capacity. The missile has seen action in several conflicts, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability. As a key component of the U.S. Army's arsenal, the ATACMS symbolizes the modern approach to warfare where precision and range play critical roles in achieving strategic military objectives.

In October 2023, Ukraine utilized the U.S.-supplied long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for the first time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed this use, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian military employed these missiles on October 17, 2023, targeting Russian forces. One notable instance involved the Ukrainian forces using these longer-range missiles to strike nine Russian helicopters in eastern Ukraine. Furthermore, on October 30, Ukraine launched an unprecedented attack on occupied Crimea using these long-range ATACMS missiles, with reports of multiple explosions near Sevastopol.

Defense News November 2023