Russian air defense systems deployed on the Crimean peninsula were able to destroy 15 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that, between April 28 and May 4, Air Defense units deployed to protect military installations on the Crimean peninsula successfully intercepted 15 Ukrainian ATACMS tactical missiles fired by US-supplied HIMARS multiple rocket systems.
According to the Russian publication, 17 Hammer guided bombs (supplied by France), six GLSDB (Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb) munitions, rockets of the HIAMARS and Uragan systems, as well as 201 drones of various types were also shot down.
According to various reports, as part of a $300 million aid package approved by the Biden administration in March, the U.S. is said to have delivered 100 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) tactical ballistic missiles to Ukraine, mainly to engage high-value targets in the Crimean peninsula.
Seems like ????????did another ATACMS strike near Kuban, Luhansk.
Action starts at 03:50. A dud and 3 hits within a minute. pic.twitter.com/aGP4cWKY07
— JB Schneider (@JohnB_Schneider) May 1, 2024
Already in early April Russian officials reported that Ukraine attacked air bases in Crimea with 12 ATACMS missiles, which were reportedly shot down. However, reports from Ukrainian sources claim that these tactical missiles managed to cause significant damage to Russian military hardware, including helicopters, an S-400 long-range air defense missile system and a command and control center.
ATACMS missile system
The ATACMS is a long-range guided missile that provides commanders with immediate high-level firepower. Each ATACMS missile is packaged in a launch module similar to the MLRS and is fired from the MLRS family of launchers.
ATACMS Specifications:
- Enhanced guidance package with Global Positioning System
- Carries a 500 lb. WDU18 explosive fragmentation warhead
- Maximum range of 300 km
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a conventional ground-to-ground artillery weapon system capable of engaging targets beyond the range of guns, rockets and other missiles normally used by Armies. ATACMS missiles are fired from HIMARS and MLRS M270 platforms.
