Media: U.S. likely to send ATACMS missiles to Ukraine

9 September, 2023 M142 HIMARS and ATACMS missiles. Photo credits: Mariusz Burcz The United States might soon decide to provide Ukraine with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles.

The missiles are likely to be included in one of the upcoming U.S. military aid packages. This is reported by ABC News, citing its own sources. "They are coming," said one of the U.S. officials who had access to security assistance plans.

However, the official noted that, as always, such plans were subject to change until officially announced. Another official said the missiles were "on the table" and likely to be included in an upcoming security assistance package for Ukraine.

The ATACMS missile was launched from the M270 MLRS of the Korean military. Photo credits: alamy

However, the U.S. official noted that a final decision had not been made.

According to him, it could take "months" before Ukraine receives the ATACMS missiles. Ukraine has long been requesting the United States for the transfer of ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles, which are capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 300 kilometers. These missiles will allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strike at great depths in the Russian rear in the temporarily occupied territories.

Ukraine can launch ATACMS missiles from HIMARS and M270 launchers, which are already in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and are actively used to defeat Russian invaders.

ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missile launch from M270. Photo from open sources

At the end of June, the media reported that the United States came close to making a decision to provide ATACMS long-range missiles to Ukraine. Previously, Joe Biden's administration said that they could not give Ukraine ATACMS long-range missiles because the Pentagon itself lacked them.

The ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missile system is designed to hit point targets such as command posts, missile launchers, air defense facilities, communication nodes, and depots located deep within the enemy's defenses.

The M270 and M142 launch ATACMS.

Photos from open sources

The M270 and M142 launchers are used to launch the missile.

The system has an MGM-140B missile with a maximum flight range of up to 300.