US Considers Supplying Ukraine with Long-Range ATACMS Ballistic Missiles.

In a recent revelation by NBC News on February 19, 2024, discussions within the United States have emerged regarding the potential provision of a new long-range variant of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to Ukraine. This development signals a significant shift in military support, as the ATACMS, a short-range tactical ballistic missile system, could bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities with enhanced precision and reach.
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The M57A1 Army Tactical Missile System missile is fired over the cab of an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher. (Picture source U.S. DoD)

Towards the end of last year, the United States initiated the provision of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine, albeit supplying only the older, medium-range versions of these missiles. Presently, U.S. officials indicate a shift in strategy, with considerations leaning towards dispatching the more advanced long-range variant of the ATACMS. This strategic move would enable Ukraine to extend its strike capabilities further into territories within the Russian-held Crimean Peninsula.

As of late December 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense announced a security assistance package for Ukraine valued at up to $250 million. This package is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's air defense capabilities, artillery, antitank weapons, and other equipment to help the country counter Russia's invasion. This round of assistance represents the 54th drawdown of military equipment for Ukraine from the Department of Defense's inventories since August 2021. The assistance comes amid ongoing negotiations in Capitol Hill regarding President Joe Biden's supplemental request to Congress for continued critical funding for military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine. Without further action from Congress, further U.S. assistance for Ukraine could be in jeopardy at a critical time as the conflict with Russia approaches its two-year mark.

The U.S. Congress has previously approved a total of $66 billion in aid to support Ukraine, including a $40 billion supplemental appropriations legislation passed in May, with $19 billion in military funding. This package included significant allocations for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, replenishing U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine, and the Foreign Military Financing Program, among other things.

In 2024, the situation regarding U.S. military aid to Ukraine is characterized by intense political debates and significant legislative actions. President Joe Biden has called on the House of Representatives to pass a substantial $95 billion national security bill, which includes aid for Ukraine as well as funds for other international and national security interests. This bill has seen bipartisan support in the Senate but faces opposition from some House Republicans, who demand provisions on other issues such as border security. The debate reflects broader tensions over U.S. foreign assistance and domestic priorities.

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a tactical ballistic missile system designed and developed by the United States to provide deep strike capabilities beyond traditional artillery ranges. It was introduced in the late 1980s to fill the gap between conventional artillery and strategic missile systems, offering the U.S. Army a means to strike high-value targets with precision over long distances. The ATACMS can be launched from multiple platforms, including the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), enhancing its versatility on the battlefield. The development of ATACMS marked a significant advancement in surface-to-surface missile technology, incorporating GPS guidance systems for increased accuracy and payload options for various mission requirements.

The ATACMS has demonstrated formidable combat capabilities across numerous engagements. With a range of up to 300 kilometers for its latest variants, it can deliver a variety of warheads, including unitary, submunitions, and even specialized payloads for electronic warfare, making it a flexible tool in modern warfare. It has been deployed in several conflicts, notably during the Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and other operations where precision and the ability to strike beyond the front lines were crucial. The ATACMS's ability to hit targets with high precision minimizes collateral damage and allows for effective engagement of fortified positions, command centers, and other high-value targets, demonstrating its critical role in shaping the outcome of military operations. Its ongoing upgrades and integration into advanced networked battle management systems underscore its continued relevance in future conflict scenarios.

Defense News February 2024