What are supersonic missiles, long-range weapons for which the US has authorized Ukraine to use?
Authorization by the United States for Ukraine ATACMS use long-range missiles The actions against targets in Russian territory mark a significant shift in the Joe Biden administration’s position regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This new rule, advanced by the US media, represents a response to Kiev’s growing demands for more effective equipment in the fight against Russian forces.
Until now, Ukraine had used ATACMS missiles only within its own territory, in areas invaded by Russia. However, the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, He has been requesting for months that the ban on the use of these missiles on Russian territory be lifted. With this decision, the White House has redefined the rules of the game in the conflict, intensifying military support for Ukraine.
What are ATACMS missiles and how do they work?
ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) long-range tactical missiles is a high-precision surface-to-surface attack system manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Originally designed to operate with great effectiveness in conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm (1990–1991), these missiles have established themselves A key tool in the US military arsenal.
Equipped with GPS-assisted inertial navigation and powered by solid fuel, ATACMS is approximately 4 meters in length, approximately 61 centimeters in diameter and carries a 226 kilogram fragmented blast warhead. They can be launched from platforms such as the HIMARS Mobile System or the M270 Multiple Launch Platform, giving them extreme battlefield versatility. Their accuracy and range capabilities make them a strategic tool for attacking high-value targets.
ATACMS in the Ukrainian conflict
The United States hands over the first ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in autumn 2023Although initially this was a version with shorter range (165 kilometers compared to 300 kilometers for the most recent versions). These weapons were successfully used in operations inside Ukrainian territory, such as destroying a Russian Nebo-M radar on 3 October, although the exact location of the attack was not revealed.
For months, Zelensky led an intensive campaign to persuade Washington to allow the use of these missiles on Russian territory. However, the White House was reluctant to take this step, choosing in October an alternative solution: an $800 million investment in Ukrainian military industry to increase production of long-range weapons.
In parallel, Ukraine also has cruise missiles such as Storm Shadow supplied by the United Kingdom and SCALP-EG provided by France. However, the use of these weapons is restricted inside Russia, limiting their operational possibilities in conflict.
new approaches to conflict
The recent authorization to use ATACMS on Russian targets, as well as the debate over the possibility of using them against North Korean troops fighting on behalf of the Kremlin, demonstrate how the war in Ukraine is reaching new dimensions. In addition to ATACMS, Ukraine is looking for equipment that will allow it to gain a strategic advantage in a conflict situation that remains uncertain and has a large impact at the international level.
This shift in US policy not only redefines Ukraine’s military capabilities, but also sends a clear message about Washington’s commitment to Kiev. As the conflict evolves, it remains to be seen how this new scenario will affect the evolution of hostilities and the global tensions surrounding war.