4-133 Field Artillery Regiment conducts multinational HIMARS Live Fire Exercise near Tapa, Estonia — U.S. Army soldiers with 4th Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, supporting 1st Cavalry Division, fire a rocket during a Table XII live fire exercise near Tapa, Estonia, Sept. 19, 2024. This rocket would use GPS guidance to travel within 3 meters or 9 feet of the target. HIMARS can fire both Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, giving it flexibility to hit targets at varying distances. Conducting exercises like these is essential to ensure HIMARS crewmembers are skilled and proficient in their mission-essential tasks. The 1st Cavalry Division’s mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward-deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cecil Elliott II)

The U.S. gives Ukraine’s Armed Forces the green light to use ATACMS ballistic missiles against Russian territory

Por

18 November, 2024

Yesterday, U.S. President Joe Biden officially authorized the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use long-range U.S.-made ATACMS ballistic missiles within Russian territory, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the war.

The authorization comes amid North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Russia’s campaign and Russia’s movement of over 50,000 troops to the southern Kursk region to reclaim territory lost to Ukraine during its recent counteroffensive. According to a U.S. official, this decision focuses exclusively on allowing the use of ATACMS missiles against this area, aiming to help Ukraine hold Kursk for as long as possible.

Previously, the U.S. had refused to provide ATACMS missiles to Ukraine during the first two years of the war, partly due to concerns over readiness and the complex, time-consuming production process for these powerful missiles. However, Biden secretly approved the transfer of long-range missiles in February for use within Ukrainian territory, with the delivery completed in April. Following this, the Ukrainian president intensified efforts to push for approval of their use within Russian territory.

This recent U.S. authorization to employ long-range missiles against Russian territory represents a surprising turn in Biden’s policy. It comes after months of debates over the limitations of available missiles and Ukraine’s ability to produce longer-range attack drones. Nevertheless, the provided ATACMS missiles have a limited range and are unlikely to significantly impact Russian aircraft operating far from the front lines.

Analysts note a recurring pattern in these decisions: an initial White House refusal, months of Ukrainian pressure, and eventual approval at a point when the impact might be constrained. With a range of up to 300 kilometers, the ATACMS missiles could target strategic Russian assets such as airfields, but their limited quantity is insufficient to drastically alter the course of the war. Meanwhile, Ukraine has already demonstrated the capability to conduct deep strikes using domestically produced drones, which are more cost-effective and efficient for specific targets.

The U.S. decision also carries a symbolically provocative undertone. While militarily weakened, Russia could attempt to restore its deterrent capability through sabotage actions in Europe or similar measures. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any attack supported by nuclear powers would be considered a joint assault, adding further tension to this U.S. decision.