Breaking News: US Prepares New Military Aid for Ukraine Including ATACMS Missiles & Guided Rockets.

The United States is reportedly in the final stages of unveiling a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $300 million, according to the "POLITICO" website. This forthcoming assistance is set to include a noteworthy component: a variant of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with the capability to hit targets up to 160 kilometers away. This marks a strategic enhancement in Ukraine's military arsenal, offering a significant boost in its long-range strike capabilities.
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U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Field Artillery Brigade launch the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) from the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in Delamere, Australia. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The new U.S. military aid package for Ukraine is not just limited to the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) but also encompasses the Anti-Personnel/Anti-Materiel (APAM) munitions. These are designed to be compatible with the ATACMS platform, extending its utility against a wide range of target types. Notably, this version of the ATACMS is equipped with a payload that disperses cluster bomblets over a broad area, enhancing its efficacy against both materiel and personnel targets.

In addition to these advanced missile systems, the aid tranche is expected to bolster Ukraine's artillery capabilities. It includes additional ammunition for the 155mm howitzers and enhancements to the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), providing Ukrainian forces with a substantial uplift in firepower.

The United States has temporarily halted military aid to Ukraine, a move that has significant implications given the ongoing conflict with Russia. This decision comes at a critical time when further assistance is contingent on Congressional approval for additional national security funding. The pause in aid is linked to a bill that failed to pass a procedural vote in the U.S. Senate on December 6th, 2023. The failure was due to Republican demands for stricter migration policies, particularly concerning strengthening the border with Mexico. The Republicans have conditioned the aid to Ukraine on the implementation of their preferred border policy, which Democrats do not agree with. As a result, the U.S. ran out of funds for new weapon purchases for Ukraine on December 30th, 2023, following the dispatch of equipment worth $250 million in the latest tranche of military aid announced on December 27th, 2023.

The significance of U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine cannot be overstated, with concerns mounting over the potential impact of the cessation of this support. Russian President Vladimir Putin has remarked that Ukraine could not survive more than "a week" without Western aid, highlighting the critical role of international support in Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion. The European Union official warned that the bloc could not replace the U.S. funding gap, signaling potential challenges for Ukraine's continued resistance.

The geopolitical landscape is further complicated by political dynamics within the United States. With conservatives potentially making gains in upcoming U.S. elections, there is a growing discourse around the need for Europe to increase its defense spending and take a more prominent role in supporting Ukraine. The disparity between American and European military assistance to Ukraine is notable, with Washington's support significantly outpacing European efforts. This situation underscores the strategic importance of U.S. aid to Ukraine's defense capabilities and the broader implications for NATO and European security.

U.S. Army M270 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System fires a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

The introduction of ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) and GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) ammunition to Ukraine's arsenal offers a significant augmentation of its military capabilities against Russian forces, primarily through enhanced range and precision in targeting. The ATACMS system, known for its ability to hit targets up to 160 kilometers away, provides Ukraine with the capability to conduct long-range precision strikes. This ability is crucial for targeting strategic assets deep within contested territories without risking close engagement with enemy forces.

The Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) complements the ATACMS by offering precise artillery support over distances exceeding 70 kilometers. This system is renowned for its accuracy, delivering munitions capable of striking targets with minimal collateral damage, which is pivotal in densely populated or mixed-use areas of engagement. The addition of extra rounds for the 155mm howitzers as part of the package ensures sustained artillery operations, critical for both offensive pushes and defensive stands.

Together, the ATACMS and GMLRS systems enhance Ukraine's strategic posture by extending its operational reach and providing commanders with a broader array of tactical options. This capability to project power more effectively and accurately can disrupt or deter adversary movements, degrade their logistic chains, and target key installations, all while minimizing the risk to Ukrainian forces.

Defense News March 2024