Missile strike on Taganrog exposes Russian air defence gaps

The Russian Ministry of Defence admitted that ATACMS missiles attacked the airport in Taganrog. As a result of the attack, military personnel were injured, although the Russians claim there was no damage. However, they announced retaliation, which suggests that the damage was significant.

There are two airports in Taganrog: Taganrog-South and Taganrog-Central. Both are strategically important for Russia. Taganrog-South is significant due to its production of A-50 aircraft, used for observation and reconnaissance over long distances from the air, while Taganrog-Central services a local repair plant and is home to Russian aviation.

The Russian military admitted that their air defence failed to repel the attack. This is the first instance of ATACMS missiles being used by Ukraine against Russian military targets. The attack may have also affected the "ANTK im. Berieva" and the 325th repair plant, indicating the comprehensive nature of the strike.

The history of the ATACMS missile system, developed in the 1980s, culminated in its official introduction in 1991. This system, operating on a ground-to-ground principle, was created by Americans as a modern alternative to the 1960s MHM-52 Lance, which could hit targets up to a maximum of 120 kilometres.

ATACMS missiles are nearly 4 metres long, have a diameter of over 0.6 metres, and weigh about 1,700 kilograms. They are distinguished by a powerful warhead weighing 560 kilograms. The system boasts an impressive operational range of up to 300 kilometres, which allows missiles launched from northeastern Ukraine to reach near Moscow.

Due to its range, the MGM-140 is a valuable acquisition that Kyiv has sought in discussions with the US government. Thanks to its operational capability, the missiles can not only reach areas occupied by Russian forces in Ukraine but also pose a serious threat to Russia itself. The precision of the system raises significant concerns within the Russian armed forces.