The authorization by the United States for Ukraine use ATACMS long-range missiles against targets in Russian territory marks a significant shift in the Joe Biden administration’s position regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This new rule, advanced by American media, represents a response to kyiv’s growing demands for more effective tools in its fight against Russian forces.
Until now, Ukraine had only used ATACMS missiles within its own territory, in areas invaded by Russia. However, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, He had been requesting for months that the restrictions on using these missiles in Russian territory be lifted. With this decision, the White House redefines the rules of the game in the conflict, intensifying military support for Ukraine.
What are ATACMS missiles and how do they work?
ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) long-range tactical missiles are a high-precision surface-to-surface attack system manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Originally designed to operate with great effectiveness in conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991), these missiles have established themselves as a key tool in the American military arsenal.
Equipped with GPS-assisted inertial navigation and powered by solid fuel, the ATACMS measure approximately 4 meters in length, with a diameter of almost 61 centimeters and a 226-kilogram warhead of fragmented explosion. They can be launched from platforms such as the HIMARS mobile system or the M270 multiple launch platform, giving them great versatility on the battlefield. Their precision and range capabilities make them a strategic tool for attacking high-value targets.
ATACMS in the Ukrainian conflict
The United States delivered the first ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in autumn 2023although initially it was a version with a shorter range (165 kilometers compared to 300 kilometers for the most recent versions). These weapons were successfully used in operations inside Ukrainian territory, such as the destruction of a Russian Nebo-M radar on October 3, although the exact location of the attack was not revealed.
For months, Zelensky led an intense campaign to convince Washington to allow the use of these missiles on Russian territory. However, the White House was reluctant to take this step, opting in October for an alternative solution: an investment of $800 million to increase the production of long-range weapons in the Ukrainian military industry.
In parallel, Ukraine also has cruise missiles such as the Storm Shadow, supplied by the United Kingdom, and the SCALP-EG, provided by France. However, the use of these weapons inside Russia remains prohibited, limiting their operational possibilities in the conflict.
New perspectives in the conflict
The recent authorization to use ATACMS on Russian targets, along with the debate over the possibility of using them against North Korean soldiers fighting on the Kremlin’s side, demonstrates how the war in Ukraine is reaching new dimensions. In addition to the ATACMS, Ukraine continues to seek tools that will allow it to gain strategic advantage in the face of a conflict that remains uncertain and has great international impact.
This change in US policy not only redefines Ukraine’s military capabilities, but also sends a clear message about Washington’s commitment to kyiv. As the conflict evolves, it remains to be seen how this new scenario will influence the development of hostilities and the global tensions surrounding the war.
