Atacms: what are the missiles Ukraine has fired into Russia for first time?

In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have recently fired ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) into Russian territory for the first time. The move, which was widely reported in the international media, represents a critical moment in the war, as it highlights Ukraine’s increasing ability to strike deeper into Russian territory with precision-guided munitions. This action could have far-reaching implications not just for the battlefield, but also for the broader geopolitical situation. But what exactly are ATACMS missiles, and why is their use by Ukraine such a noteworthy development?

What Are ATACMS Missiles?

The ATACMS, developed by the United States, is a short-range tactical ballistic missile system designed to be launched from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) or the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). These systems have been critical for the Ukrainian military since they were supplied by the U.S. in 2023. The ATACMS missile itself is capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 300 kilometers (about 186 miles), making it one of the most advanced weapons in Ukraine’s arsenal. The missile’s accuracy and ability to carry both conventional and cluster warheads make it highly effective against a range of targets, from military infrastructure to logistics hubs and command centers.

ATACMS is part of the United States’ broader effort to provide Ukraine with advanced weaponry that can counter Russian air superiority and artillery dominance. In particular, these missiles allow Ukrainian forces to hit targets deep inside Russian-controlled territory, which has the potential to disrupt Russia’s military operations and supply chains far beyond the front lines.

The Missile’s Capabilities:

• Range and Precision: With a range of up to 300 kilometers, ATACMS missiles can strike key targets deep within enemy territory with high precision. This allows Ukraine to hit strategic military assets in Russia without risking direct engagement with Russian defenses close to the front line.
• Warhead Options: The missile can carry either a unitary warhead or a cluster munition warhead, giving it flexibility in targeting both point targets like command posts or radar systems, and area targets such as large troop formations or supply depots.
• Launch Platforms: ATACMS is launched from existing M270 and HIMARS platforms, both of which are highly mobile and can be positioned in different locations quickly, providing Ukrainian forces with flexibility and a significant advantage in terms of rapid deployment.

Why Are ATACMS Significant for Ukraine?

The deployment of ATACMS by Ukraine is a clear sign that the country is gradually transitioning to more offensive and strategic warfare. Ukraine’s military has predominantly relied on defensive tactics, including counterattacks and attrition strategies, to resist Russian advances. However, the introduction of longer-range missile systems marks a shift toward striking deeper into Russian-held territory, targeting critical infrastructure and supply chains that sustain the Russian military’s operations in Ukraine.

Strategic Advantages of ATACMS for Ukraine:

1. Deep Strikes Into Russian Territory: Before receiving ATACMS, Ukraine’s artillery and rocket systems, such as HIMARS, were capable of striking targets within Ukrainian territory and along the frontline in Russian-held areas. However, these systems did not have the capability to target Russia itself. The ATACMS changes that, allowing Ukraine to strike key Russian military infrastructure far behind the lines, including air defense systems, radar installations, and ammunition depots. The missiles’ precision also means they can avoid collateral damage to civilian infrastructure.
2. Disrupting Russian Supply Lines: One of the most effective uses of ATACMS missiles is to disrupt Russia’s logistics network. With the capability to strike convoys, railways, and supply depots, Ukraine can severely limit Russia’s ability to sustain its forces in the field. By targeting these supply chains, Ukraine can further degrade Russian morale and hinder the ability to maintain its offensive operations.
3. Striking Key Command Centers: In modern warfare, disrupting an enemy’s command and control infrastructure is essential for disrupting military operations. The ATACMS missile’s range and precision make it a valuable asset for Ukraine to target Russian military command centers deep within the country, potentially affecting coordination and communication across Russian forces.
4. International Significance: The decision to use ATACMS also marks a shift in the diplomatic landscape. These advanced weapons were previously withheld by the U.S. due to concerns over escalation and the potential for striking Russian territory directly. Their deployment signifies a deepening of U.S. support for Ukraine and a more assertive stance in the conflict, signaling to Russia that the U.S. and its allies are prepared to provide Ukraine with the tools it needs to defend itself.

Why Now?

The use of ATACMS missiles in Ukraine is a significant development, but it raises the question: why has Ukraine chosen this moment to use such advanced weaponry? Several factors could explain the timing:

1. Increasing Military Pressure on Russia: Over the course of the conflict, Russia has escalated its attacks and built up defenses in strategic areas. In response, Ukraine has focused on improving its military capabilities to keep up with and counterbalance Russian actions. The use of ATACMS may be a natural progression in Ukraine’s desire to level the playing field with Russia and strike back more effectively.
2. Support from the U.S. and NATO Allies: The U.S. and its NATO allies have been instrumental in providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including ATACMS. This support has evolved over time as the West has become more convinced that helping Ukraine fight back against Russian aggression is a key element of European security. The timing of the missile use may reflect both an increase in military assistance and a sense of confidence on the part of Ukrainian commanders, who have now been equipped with the tools to strike farther and harder at Russian military assets.
3. Shifting Military Tactics: As Ukraine continues to adapt its military strategies, there is a growing recognition that Russia’s conventional advantage must be challenged with new tactics. Long-range missile strikes give Ukraine the ability to shape the battlefield in ways that go beyond traditional methods of fighting. It shows that Ukraine is capable of turning the tide by forcing Russia to protect its own homeland and deploy valuable defense resources further from the front lines.

Reactions and Implications

The use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine has garnered a variety of reactions from both international observers and Russia itself.

• Russia’s Reaction: Russia has condemned the use of ATACMS, warning that such strikes could escalate the conflict further and potentially provoke retaliatory actions. Moscow has long maintained that any strike on its own territory would be considered an act of war and might lead to heightened military responses. The Kremlin has emphasized its readiness to defend its territory using all available means, including nuclear weapons, raising concerns about the risks of further escalation.
• U.S. and NATO Response: The U.S. has stood by its decision to supply Ukraine with ATACMS, framing it as a necessary step to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty. Western allies have emphasized that the use of these missiles is defensive in nature and aimed at repelling Russian aggression rather than initiating an expansion of the conflict. NATO officials have reiterated that their goal is to support Ukraine in reclaiming its territory and ensuring regional stability.

Conclusion

The use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine represents a significant shift in the dynamics of the war with Russia. These advanced weapons not only bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities but also signal a deeper commitment from the West to supporting Ukraine in its struggle. By striking key targets deep within Russia, Ukraine has proven it is capable of changing the terms of engagement and forcing Russia to confront its vulnerabilities in new and unforeseen ways.

The deployment of these missiles raises important questions about the future of the conflict and its broader implications for international security. As the war continues to evolve, the role of advanced weapons like ATACMS will likely become even more central to the strategic calculations of both Ukraine and Russia.