Small Number of ATACMS Missiles Reportedly Shipped to Ukraine by US Recently

16:24, 17 October 2023

This undated US Army file image obtained 16 November, 2003, shows a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firing a long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block 1 guided missile.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – Kiev has been granted more than $43 billion in security assistance from the US since the Ukraine conflict began. Russia has stated repeatedly that the continued aid to Ukraine only extends the conflict without contributing towards its resolution.

Sputnik

Ukraine on Tuesday used Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to strike nearby Russian troops near Lugansk and Berdyansk, marking the first use of the US-made long-range missiles in the conflict, a US newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing people in the know.

The United States has secretly shipped a small number of surface-to-surface missiles to Ukraine in recent days to provide Kiev with a long-range strike capability against Russian Forces amid the ongoing counteroffensive, the report said.

The versions of the ATACMS that were provided have a range of about 100 miles (160 km).

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The US has not formally announced the transfer of the longer-range missiles.

Meanwhile, another US newspaper reported that the version of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) that the United States delivered to Ukraine is equipped with cluster munitions.

The United States provided the Ukrainian military a small number of ATACMS missiles, the report said citing a Biden administration official.

Additionally, of the current $76.8 billion in funding from the US to Kiev, $23 billion is designated for military aid. Russia has warned that this action will only prolong the duration of the conflict in Ukraine.