Ukraine bolsters defense with ATACMS missiles from U.S.: A strategic shift
Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor to the President of the U.S., confirmed media reports that Ukraine has received ATACMS missiles. The American also explained why this weapon was transferred back in March.
This is good news for Ukraine. As "Ukrainska Pravda" reported, the country has already received ATACMS missiles from the United States.
ATACMS are sizable missiles with a length of about 4 metres and a weight exceeding 1.5 tonnes, developed and produced by the Lockheed Martin corporation. These missiles gained fame during Operation Desert Storm and later during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Jake Sullivan said that in February, U.S. President Joe Biden ordered "to transfer a significant number of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine for use on the sovereign territory of Ukraine".
The Biden advisor noted that Washington made the decision on ATACMS after Russia used ballistic missiles from North Korea against Ukraine and began massive shelling of civilian infrastructure.
Sullivan also pointed out that the main reason for not providing Ukraine with ATACMS earlier were "concerns about their own combat readiness", but these were overcome by ordering a large batch of these missiles from the manufacturer.
How does the supplied weapon work?
The missiles can deal powerful blows to the enemy, similar to those that Russia is currently dealing to Ukraine with Iskanders. However, unlike them, no special, powerful launchers are needed for their launch.
Lighter HIMARS systems, which are already in possession of Ukraine, are sufficient. Thanks to missiles with a range of up to 300 km (about 186 miles), Ukrainians could deal severe blows to Russia and strike targets beyond the reach of traditional artillery systems, e.g., command centres, or critical infrastructure.
