The US administration continues to discuss the possibility of transferring long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, reports The New York Times, citing sources among US and European officials.
The country’s Ministry of Defense explained that the United States has a relatively small arsenal of ATACMS, so transferring them to Ukraine could jeopardize combat readiness in other areas.
The day before, on July 11, France announced the transfer of long-range missiles to Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron said that Kyiv would receive SCALP missiles (range – 250 km), the decision was made taking into account the counteroffensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the situation on the battlefield. According to AFP, their deliveries have already begun.
ATACMS are long-range guided missiles developed by the American company Lockheed Martin. They can also be fired from multiple launch rocket systems, such as the M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS, which Ukraine already has. The latest versions of missiles can hit a target at a distance of up to 310 km with an accuracy of 1 m. Lockheed Martin reported that about 4 thousand ATACMS have been fired since the 1980s.
Source: Rosbalt
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