First recorded loss of Ukrainian 'god of war' HIMARS to Russian strike
Analysis of video footage released by the Russians indicates that a reconnaissance drone detected the Ukrainian HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). The enemy's position was relayed to the command, which then deployed another unit to carry out artillery strikes. The incident occurred near the border between the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, approximately 40 km from the main front line.
Ukrainians lose the HIMARS system
It appears that the Russians employed missiles launched from the Tornado-S. Notably, this system is among the latest additions to Putin's military arsenal and bears a conceptual resemblance to the HIMARS.
The Tornado-S represents a comprehensive upgrade of the older BM-30 Smerch systems. Depending on the missiles utilised, it can target locations about 200 km away. The reasons why the Ukrainian-operated HIMARS was positioned in an exposed area during daylight hours (typically, these systems are operated at night) remain unclear.
Owing to its potent firepower and exceptional precision, the HIMARS has earned the moniker "god of war." The Ukrainians keenly feel its loss, and for the Russians, it is a prestigious prize, particularly for propaganda. Although they have successfully targeted several units, this marks the first time they have showcased a documented hit on this weapon system in many months. Previously, only photos illustrating damage requiring repair had made their way online.
HIMARS - the American god of war in Ukrainian hands
War analysts remind us that Kyiv has already received numerous HIMARS system launchers from the United States. In addition, several European countries have supplied M270 systems as reinforcements, which are the tracked, older siblings of the HIMARS.
The M270 launchers can accommodate 12 missile rockets of 227 mm calibre or two MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles. This capacity is double that of the more modern HIMARS launchers mounted on a wheeled chassis.
However, they are smaller and lighter, enhancing the speed with which the system can be relocated. The wheeled chassis also offers the advantage of reduced operational costs. The maximum range for both the M270 and HIMARS extends to about 300 km.
