What is ATACMS missile: In the ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine for the first time attacked inside Russia using the ATACMS missile received from the US. This was the first time Ukraine targeted the interior of Russia after the Joe Biden administration lifted the ban on the use of these missiles. According to Ukrainian officials, a military base inside Russia was attacked with a US-made long-range ATACMS missile. The base targeted by Ukraine was 115 kilometers away from the Ukrainian border.

What is an ATACMS missile?

ATACMS missiles are also known as Army Tactical Missile Systems. Using these, Ukraine attacked a large weapons base near the city of Karachev in the Bryansk region of Russia. The ATACMS missile is a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 300 kilometers. Due to its range, it can prove to be a game-changer weapon for Ukraine as it can target large cities within Russia.

This missile has been manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It can be fired from Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) or High Mobility Artillery Rocket System. However, this is a very expensive technology and the cost of one missile is around Rs 10 crore. ATACMS is a ballistic missile, so it becomes difficult to stop it.

The Army Tactical Missile System can carry two different types of warheads. It can also be fitted with a cluster bomb and a 225 kg warhead. The armies select weapons according to their needs. The ATACMS missile was first used in the Gulf War.

According to reports, Ukraine had fired 6 such missiles towards the Russian city of Karachev, out of which 5 were shot down. Russia is enraged by these attacks and President Vladimir Putin has talked about teaching Ukraine a lesson. Russia has also warned Western countries including America that such attacks can make the war more severe.