Andrew Davidson
On Nov. 17, the United States greenlit the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems in Ukraine. The stipulations of use and number of systems deployed is not yet clear, but here’s what we know: ATACMS are solid-fueled surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles). When fired, they take a high atmospheric path and fall at a steep angle. They have a capable payload of 225 kilograms (500 pounds) of explosives or cluster munitions, they can be used against wide-area and lightly armored targets, and they have a circular error probability of 9 meters (about 30 feet).
In layman’s terms, this means Ukraine now has the ability to strike much deeper into Russian territory than it previously could, with missiles that are difficult to intercept and that are extremely accurate at their maximum range.
Perhaps the introduction of ATACMS will change the geography of the battlefield. As many as 14 Russian airfields and launch sites now lie within their range, as do key points in Russian logistics, including equipment and troop staging areas and roads. All of the Kursk region of Russia is well within striking distance of Ukraine’s new missiles. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claims to have shot down five of them during a strike on Nov. 19.
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