ATACMS missiles

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Context:  Ukraine has been pushing for ATACMS missiles which could strike at the heart of Russia’s fragile supply lines.

About ATACMS missiles

• The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a conventional surface-to-surface artillery weapon system.
• It is a long-range guided missile that gives operational commanders the immediate firepower to win the deep battle.
• It is a ballistic missile manufactured by the US defence company Lockheed Martin.
• It is capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets and other missiles.

Features of the missile

• It has a Maximum range of 300 km.
• They are fired from the MLRS Family of Launchers called MLRS M270 and M270A1 weapons platforms.
• They have an Improved guidance package with Global Positioning System.
• It Carries a WDU 18, 500-lb class blast fragmentation warhead.
• ATACMS was deployed in Operation Desert Storm and was very successful.

Other Important missile deployed by US in Ukraine

Patriot Missile

• The US recently sent Patriot missiles to Ukraine to defend it against Russia.
• The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the primary such system used by the United States Army and several allied states.
• It is manufactured by the S. defence contractor Raytheon.
• They can target aircraft, cruise missiles and shorter-range ballistic missiles.
• The system’s effectiveness is however limited and that it may not significantly change the shape of the war.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/06/29/us-close-to-approving-longest-range-missiles-yet-to-ukraine/