The ATACMS have a range of around 190 miles (305 km).
Moscow: US President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to use American “Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS)” long-range missiles for strikes within Russian territory, marking a significant shift from his previous focus on conflict reduction and could prove to be a turning point in the long-running conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The US’ ATACMS are capable of striking Russian forces in the Kursk region of western Russia. ATACMS precision attacks could prove to be a major challenge to Russian security. In such a situation, Russia will have to rethink its defense plan which has been dependent on its air S-400 and S-500 air defense systems.
In the coming time, if missiles are fired from Ukraine, then the performance of these air systems will be watched not only by Russia but also by India and other countries.
The ATACMS, with significant explosive power and a range of around 190 miles (305 km), are likely to be used in strategic strikes against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has long been demanding that Kyiv be allowed to use these to hit targets inside Russia. The US decision could be a game-changer for Ukraine as Russian forces have been making steady gains in the war.
US media said that Biden’s decision was taken in response to the reported deployment of thousands of North Korean troops to help Russia in the war on Ukraine.
How successful Russia’s air defense is against US missiles coming from Ukraine would be of major interest to countries like India, Turkey, and China who are contemplating to purchase the Russian air defence systems and have made agreements to buy these defense systems.
Because of this investment, these countries are closely monitoring the entire development.
The real test of the effectiveness of the S-400 will be revealed to the world if Ukraine launches ATACMS. If this system performs well, then the confidence in its reliability in the world will increase. On the other hand, the failure of this system will reduce trust in it and weaken Russia’s arms export market.