Ukraine successfully deploys secretly acquired ATACMS missiles for the first time – WSJ

On Tuesday, October 17, Ukraine's armed forces hit Russian troops with ATACMS missiles secretly received from the United States in limited quantities. This was the first time that US-provided weapons were used during the war in Ukraine.

The Wall Street Journal reported this.

According to the publication's sources, a few missiles have already been sent to Ukraine to increase the capabilities of the Defense Forces in delivering long-range strikes.

"Ukraine has long been asking for ATACMS, a surface-to-surface missile that can strike far behind the Russians and be launched using HIMARS, which the US has provided to the country," the article reads.

ATACMS models provided are reported to have a range of about 100 miles (about 161 km). They can be launched using HIMARS systems.

At the same time, Berdiansk is located approximately 85 kilometers from the nearest point of the front, Luhansk – almost 100 kilometers.

The publication cites a report by the Ukrainian military about hitting enemy airfields and helicopters near the temporarily occupied Luhansk and Berdiansk.

"The US decision to send ATACMS has been in preparation for a long time. "Ukraine has repeatedly stated that these missiles are necessary for its military plan, as they will allow hitting targets behind the front line in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territory," the article says.

It is worth noting that Ukraine and the USA do not officially comment on or confirm the transfer of ATACMS. But the other day, the coordinator of strategic communications of the US National Security Council in the White House, John Kirby, said that the transfer of ATACMS to Ukraine is not excluded. According to him, the USA constantly reviews the additional capabilities that Ukraine needs.

ATACMS for Ukraine

Ukraine has been calling on the US for many months to provide long-range ATACMS missiles. In recent weeks, Western media have emphasized that the issue of the missile transfer has moved from a standstill. In addition, the US Senate urged Biden to transfer long-range missiles to Ukraine immediately.

However, as noted, the US is "wary" of Ukraine's request to supply it with ATACMS due to concerns about limited stockpiles and the fact that the weapon could be used to strike Russian territory, which would lead to escalation. However, the country is still considering this step.

Pressure on Biden to hand over long-range weapons is mounting from both parties in the US Congress.

ATACMS missiles can be installed on M270 MLRS (two missiles) or HIMARS (one missile) installations, which Ukraine already has. Until now, GMLRS projectiles have been delivered to Ukraine for HIMARS systems.

For reference:

The ATACMS short-range ballistic missile is an American-made weapon developed by Lockheed Martin. It can be equipped on either a M270 MLRS, with a capacity for two missiles, or a M142 HIMARS, capable of accommodating one missile. This powerful missile has a maximum range of 300 km.