Ukraine has been using U.S.-donated Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to target Russian military assets far behind the current front lines. These long-range missiles provide Ukrainian troops with the firepower to strike high-value Russian targets such as troops, air-defense systems, aircraft, and vessels. The usage of ATACMS has intensified in recent weeks, with multiple damaging attacks attributed to these missiles. President Joe Biden authorized sending a “significant number” of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in February as part of a $300-million aid package announced in mid-March.
The ATACMS provided to Ukraine are capable of striking deeper into Russian-controlled territory, allowing Kyiv to target jets and command centers behind the front lines, particularly in Crimea. While Ukraine’s Western allies have cautioned against using these weapons in internationally recognized parts of Russia, Kyiv has focused on reclaiming territories like Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine a decade ago. Recent reports indicate that Ukrainian forces used ATACMS to strike a Russian military communications center in Crimea, as well as an air base that housed advanced air-defense systems. Satellite imagery has shown the aftermath of these strikes, indicating that several Russian aircraft were damaged or destroyed as a result.
In addition to targeting Crimea, Ukraine has also utilized ATACMS to strike Russian military assets in other parts of the country. Recent attacks using ATACMS have reportedly destroyed missile launchers and radar stations belonging to Moscow’s forces in eastern Ukraine. Analysts believe that ATACMS missiles were responsible for a strike near Mospyne and a strike on a Russian military training ground in the Moscow-annexed Luhansk region. These actions demonstrate Ukraine’s determination to push back against Russian aggression and reclaim control of its territories. The use of ATACMS has allowed Ukrainian forces to effectively target and weaken Russian military capabilities in contested regions.
The involvement of ATACMS in Ukrainian attacks on Russian targets underscores the effectiveness of these long-range missiles in asymmetric warfare. By striking high-value assets far behind enemy lines, Ukraine has been able to inflict significant damage on Russian forces and disrupt their operations. The deployment of ATACMS demonstrates the commitment of Ukraine’s Western allies, particularly the United States, to support Kyiv in its defense against Russian aggression. As the conflict continues to evolve, the use of advanced weaponry like ATACMS is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the ongoing hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.
