Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)

Context

Recently the US has confirmed providing long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine to aid its war effort against Russia, soon after the US Congress passed a Bill that apportioned $61 billion worth of funding for Ukraine.

About Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)

• The ATACMS is one of the most potent missile systems constructed through US-primarily based fingers manufacturer Lockheed Martin. 
• This is a surface-to-surface artillery weapon system. 
• Its biggest strengths are the long-range of assault, ability to herd cluster munitions, and the weapon device’s mobility. 
• The missiles have been part of a $300 million navy aid package deal for Ukraine.
• This weapon’s known operators other than the US are Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, and United Arab Emirates.

What is the Range of ATACMS? 

• There is a mid-range model of the ATACMS, known as Block 1, and there’s an extended-range version, Block 1A. ATACMS Block 1 has a range of 165 km and Ukraine was provided with these systems last year. 
• ATACMS Block 1A, on the other hand, has a maximum range of 300 km that’s able to strike targets well beyond the variety of current Army cannons, rockets and other missiles.

Features of ATACMS 

• ATACMS are 24/7, all-climate, floor-to-surface, inertially guided missiles.
• It has about 190 miles (305 km).
• Propulsion: Single-stage, stable propellant.
• It is generally deployed from changed Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launch motors.
• Targets encompass air defense artillery sites, surface-to-surface missile system, logistics websites, command and manage complexes, and helicopter ahead operating bases.

Can Ukraine Target Russian Territories with ATACMS? 

• Despite the territory of deep interior Russia now being in the variety of the ATACMS, Ukraine can not use it to hit objectives in those places. 
• Ukraine has devoted itself to only using the weapons inside Ukraine, not in Russia. 
• The US administration has made it clean that the weapons cannot be used to hit targets inside Russia. 
• The Biden management is worried that if Ukraine strikes deep into Russian territory, it might anger Moscow and increase the warfare.

Source: The Indian Express

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