What is ATACMS Missile? Know All About US-made Long-Range Missile Used by Ukraine to Strike Russia

On November 19, 2024, Ukrainian forces made a significant tactical move by launching six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles into the Bryansk region of Russia. 

The ATACMS, or Army Tactical Missile System missile, is 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, ATACMS missiles are notable for their range, accuracy, and versatility in military operations.

This marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, as it was the first time Ukraine employed these long-range missiles against Russian territory. 

Source: The Week

The strike occurred just two days after the Biden administration authorised their use for operations beyond Ukraine's borders, a decision that reflected a strategic shift in U.S. military support.

The targeted attack aimed at a military facility in Bryansk, with reports indicating that Russian air defence systems successfully intercepted five of the missiles. 

However, one missile was damaged, resulting in debris igniting a small fire at the site, though no injuries were reported. This development underscores Ukraine's growing military capabilities and its need to disrupt Russian supply lines and troop movements.

Ukrainian officials had long advocated for the use of ATACMS missiles to enhance their counteroffensive operations. 

The authorisation from the U.S. government came amid rising concerns over increased military support from North Korea to Russia, highlighting the urgency for Ukraine to strengthen its defences and reclaim occupied territories in this protracted conflict.

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What are Ballistic Missiles?

Ballistic missiles are a type of missile that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads to a predetermined target. 

They are powered during the initial phase of flight but become unpowered and unguided once they reach the peak of their trajectory, descending towards the target primarily under the influence of gravity.

Key Characteristics

• Launch Phases: Ballistic missiles typically consist of three phases:
• Boost Phase: The missile is powered and guided during this initial ascent.
• Mid-Course Phase: The missile travels through space in an unpowered state.
• Terminal Phase: The missile re-enters the atmosphere and descends towards its target.

Range Categories

Ballistic missiles are categorised based on their range:

• Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM): Range from 300 to 1,000 kilometres (190 to 620 miles).
• Medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBM): Range from 1,000 to 3,500 kilometres (620 to 2,170 miles).
• Intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBM): Range from 3,500 to 5,500 kilometres (2,200 to 3,400 miles).
• Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM): Range greater than 5,500 kilometres (3,400 miles).

Types and Launch Platforms

Ballistic missiles can be launched from various platforms, including:

• Fixed launch sites
• Mobile launchers (e.g., transporter erector launchers)
• Aircraft
• Ships
• Submarines

They can carry different types of warheads, including conventional high 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 that are designed for precise strikes on high-value targets. 

Created and produced by Lockheed Martin, ATACMS missiles are renowned for their extended range, accuracy, and adaptability in various military operations. 

The development of ATACMS began in the 1980s as part of a U.S. Army initiative to replace older missile systems with more advanced guided munitions capable of striking enemy positions behind front lines. 

The system was officially designated as ATACMS in 1984, evolving through various design phases to meet modern battlefield requirements.

Key Features

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a sophisticated tactical ballistic missile system with several notable features that enhance its operational effectiveness. Here are detailed features of ATACMS missiles:

1. Range Variants:

The ATACMS comes in different variants with varying ranges. The earlier MGM-140A Block I has a range of approximately 165 kilometers (about 100 miles), while the later MGM-164A Block II can reach up to 300 kilometres (approximately 186 miles). This extended range allows for deep strikes against enemy targets beyond the reach of conventional artillery.

2. Warhead Options:

ATACMS missiles can be equipped with different types of warheads depending on mission requirements. The primary options include:

• Unitary Warhead: Designed for precise strikes against high-value targets such as command centres and air defence systems, carrying a single high-explosive charge.
• Cluster Munitions: These warheads contain multiple smaller submunitions (such as the M74 bomblets) that disperse over a target area, making them effective against troop concentrations and logistical hubs.

3. Advanced Guidance System:

The ATACMS employs a sophisticated guidance system that integrates Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) technologies. This combination enhances accuracy by providing real-time positional data, ensuring that the missile can hit its intended target with minimal collateral damage.

4. High Speed:

ATACMS missiles can travel at speeds of up to Mach 3, which is approximately 3,700 kilometres per hour (about 2,300 miles per hour). This high speed allows them to reach targets quickly and complicates interception by enemy air defences.

5. Launch Platforms:

The missiles can be launched from various platforms, including the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). These platforms provide flexibility in deployment and rapid reloading capabilities.

6. Operational Flexibility:

ATACMS missiles are designed for use in diverse operational environments, capable of being fired in near-all-weather conditions, both day and night. This flexibility is crucial for modern military operations where conditions can change rapidly.

7. Payload Capacity:

The payload of ATACMS varies by variant but typically includes a single warhead weighing between 160 kg to 560 kg (approximately 350 to 1,230 pounds). This allows for significant explosive power tailored to the mission's needs.

8. Altitude of Flight:

During flight, ATACMS typically reaches an altitude of around 50 to 65 kilometers (30 to 40 miles). This altitude helps the missile avoid many surface-to-air defence systems while maintaining accuracy for precision strikes.

9. Saturation Capability:

Variants equipped with cluster munitions can saturate an area with multiple submunitions upon detonation, making them effective against dispersed enemy forces or equipment over a wide area.

10. Stealth Features:

The design of the ATACMS 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 authorised Ukraine to use ATACMS missiles for strikes within Russian territory. 

This marked a significant policy shift, allowing Ukraine to target Russian military assets directly, which had previously been restricted due to concerns about escalating the conflict. 

The first confirmed use of these missiles by Ukraine occurred shortly after this policy change, indicating their strategic importance in the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Functionality of ATACMS Missiles

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) operates as a tactical ballistic missile designed for precision strikes against high-value targets. Here’s how it works:

• Launch Phase: The missile is launched from platforms such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) or the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). During this phase, the missile's solid rocket motor propels it into the atmosphere.
• Mid-Course Phase: After reaching a designated altitude, the missile enters the mid-course phase, where it follows a ballistic trajectory. At this point, it is unpowered and guided primarily by gravity and its initial velocity.
• Terminal Phase: As the missile approaches its target, it re-enters the atmosphere and accelerates towards the target at high speeds, making it challenging for enemy defences to intercept.

The ATACMS is equipped with advanced guidance systems, often incorporating GPS technology, which enhances its accuracy against stationary targets such as command posts, ammunition depots, and logistical hubs.

Cost of ATACMS Missiles

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 capabilities.

Speed of ATACMS Missiles

ATACMS missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 3, which is approximately 3,704 kilometres per hour (about 2,300 miles per hour). To put that into perspective, think about how fast a commercial aeroplane flies. 

Most passenger jets cruise at around 900 kilometres per hour (about 560 miles per hour). So, when you compare the two, the ATACMS missile is more than four times faster than a typical aeroplane!

To visualise it even better, imagine you're driving a car on the highway at 100 kilometres per hour (about 62 miles per hour). While you’re cruising along, the ATACMS missile will zoom past you like you were standing still! 

This high speed contributes to their effectiveness in evading enemy air defence systems during their terminal descent towards the target.

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