The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a US tactical ballistic missile designed for precision strikes against high-value targets. With a range of up to 300 km and a speed of Mach 3, it uses advanced GPS and inertial navigation systems to ensure accuracy and effectiveness in combat operations.
On November 19, 2024, Ukrainian forces made a significant tactical move by launching six American-made ATACMS missiles into Russia’s Bryansk region.
ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System missiles, are a family of tactical ballistic missiles developed by the United States, primarily used for precision strikes against high-value targets.
Designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the ATACMS missile stands out for its range, accuracy and versatility in military operations.
This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, as it is the first time Ukraine has used these long-range missiles against Russian territory.
Source: Week
The attack came just two days after the Biden administration authorized their use for operations beyond Ukraine’s borders, a decision that reflects a strategic shift in US military support.
The attack was targeted at a military facility in Bryansk, with reports indicating that Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted five missiles.
However, one rocket was damaged, leading to debris causing a small fire at the site, although there were no reports of injuries. The development underscores Ukraine’s growing military capabilities and its need to disrupt Russia’s supply lines and troop movements.
Ukrainian officials have long advocated the use of ATACMS missiles to enhance their counterattack operations.
The authorization from the US government comes amid growing concerns about North Korea’s increased military support for Russia, underscoring Ukraine’s urgency to strengthen its defenses and reclaim its territories. occupied territory during this long-running conflict.
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What is a ballistic missile?
A ballistic missile is a type of missile that follows a ballistic trajectory to launch one or more warheads toward a predetermined target.
They are powered during the early stages of flight but become unpowered and unguided when they reach the top of their orbit, descending towards their target mainly under the influence of gravity.
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Main characteristics
- Launch phase: Ballistic missiles typically consist of three phases:
- Acceleration phase: The rocket is powered and guided during this initial ascent.
- Mid-course phase: The rocket moves through space in an unpowered state.
- Final stage: The missile reenters the atmosphere and crashes down on the target.
Range catalog
Ballistic missiles are classified based on their range:
- Short-range ballistic missile (SRBM): Range 300 to 1,000 km (190 to 620 miles).
- Medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM): Range 1,000 to 3,500 km (620 to 2,170 miles).
- Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM): Range 3,500 to 5,500 km (2,200 to 3,400 miles).
- Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): Range greater than 5,500 km (3,400 miles).
Launch types and platforms
Ballistic missiles can be launched from a variety of platforms, including:
- Fixed website launch error
- Mobile launcher (e.g. transport launcher)
- Aircraft
- ship
- submarine
They can carry a variety of warheads, including conventional explosives and chemical, biological or nuclear payloads.
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What is ATACMS missile?
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a series of tactical ballistic missiles developed by the United States, designed for precision strikes on high-value targets.
Engineered and produced by Lockheed Martin, the ATACMS missile is famous for its long range, accuracy and adaptability in various military operations.
Development of the ATACMS began in the 1980s as part of a US Army initiative to replace older missile systems with more advanced guided munitions capable of striking enemy positions. Enemies behind the front lines.
The system was officially named ATACMS in 1984, evolving through various design stages to meet the requirements of the modern battlefield.
Main features
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a complex tactical ballistic missile system with a number of notable features that enhance its operational effectiveness. Below are detailed features of the ATACMS missile:
1. Range variations:
ATACMS has many different variants with different operating ranges. The earlier MGM-140A Block I had a range of about 165 km (about 100 miles), while the later MGM-164A Block II could reach 300 km (about 186 miles). This extended range allows deep strikes on enemy targets beyond the range of conventional artillery.
2. Warhead options:
ATACMS missiles can be equipped with different types of warheads depending on mission requirements. Main options include:
- Unified warhead: Designed for precision strikes on high-value targets such as command centers and air defense systems, carrying a high explosive charge.
- Cluster munitions: These warheads contain multiple smaller submunitions (such as M74 cluster bombs) dispersed over a target area, making them effective against troop concentrations and logistics centers.
3. Advanced guidance system:
ATACMS uses a sophisticated navigation system that integrates Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) technology. This combination enhances accuracy by providing real-time position data, ensuring the missile can hit its intended target with minimal damage.
4. High speed:
The ATACMS missile can travel at speeds up to Mach 3, which is about 3,700 km/h (about 2,300 mph). This high speed allows them to reach targets quickly and complicates interception by enemy air defense forces.
5. Launch platform:
The missile can be launched from a variety of platforms, including the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). These platforms provide deployment flexibility and rapid reload capabilities.
6. Operational flexibility:
The ATACMS missile is designed for use in a variety of operating environments, capable of firing in virtually any weather condition, day or night. This flexibility is important for modern military operations, where conditions can change rapidly.
7. Load capacity:
ATACMS payloads vary by variant but typically consist of a single warhead weighing between 160 kg and 560 kg (about 350 to 1,230 pounds). This allows for significant explosive power to suit mission needs.
8. Flight altitude:
During flight, ATACMS typically reaches an altitude of about 50 to 65 km (30 to 40 miles). This altitude helps the missile avoid many surface-to-air defense systems while still maintaining accuracy for precision strikes.
9. Saturation ability:
Variants armed with cluster bombs can cover an area with multiple submunitions upon detonation, making them effective against dispersed enemy forces or equipment over a wide area.
10. Stealth feature:
ATACMS’s design includes features that reduce its radar cross-section, making it more difficult for enemy radar systems to detect and track the missile during launch and flight.
Recent developments
In November 2024, the Biden administration authorized Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles to attack Russian territory.
This marks a significant policy shift, allowing Ukraine to directly target Russian military assets, which were previously restricted due to fears of escalating conflict.
Ukraine’s first confirmed use of these missiles occurred shortly after this policy change, demonstrating their strategic importance in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Functions of the ATACMS missile
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) operates as a tactical ballistic missile designed for precision strikes on high-value targets. Here’s how it works:
- Launch phase: Missiles are launched from platforms such as High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) or Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). During this phase, the solid rocket motor propels the rocket into the atmosphere.
- Mid-stage: After reaching the designated altitude, the missile enters a mid-stage, where it follows a ballistic trajectory. At this point, it is no longer powered and is guided primarily by gravity and its initial velocity.
- Final phase: When the missile approaches the target, it reenters the atmosphere and accelerates toward the target at high speed, making it difficult for enemy defense systems to intercept.
ATACMS is equipped with advanced navigation systems, often incorporating GPS technology, to help improve accuracy when attacking fixed targets such as command posts, ammunition depots and logistics centers.
Cost of ATACMS missile
The estimated cost of each ATACMS missile ranges from $1 million to $1.5 million, depending on the specific model and configuration. This price reflects the complexity of the missile system and its advanced technological features, including precision guidance.
Speed ​​of ATACMS missile
The ATACMS missile can reach speeds of up to Mach 3, which is about 3,704 km/h (about 2,300 miles/h). To put it into perspective, think about how fast a commercial airliner flies.
Most passenger planes fly at about 900 kilometers per hour (about 560 miles per hour). So when you compare the two, the ATACMS missile is four times faster than a conventional airplane!
To visualize it further, imagine you are driving a car on the highway at 100 kilometers per hour (about 62 miles per hour). While you’re moving, ATACMS missiles will zoom past you as if you were standing still!
This high speed contributes to their effectiveness in evading enemy air defense systems while descending on targets.
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