Ukraine deploys ATACMS missiles in strike on Russian Airfield
In a bold escalation of its military campaign, Ukraine has used U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike a Russian military airfield in the Kursk region, Militarnyj reported on Monday. This marked the first confirmed use of these precision-guided ballistic missiles with cluster warheads on Russian territory.
Targeting Russian Airpower in Kursk
According to open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysts, the strike targeted the Kursk-Vostochny airfield, home to elements of Russia's tactical aviation, and the nearby Khalino base. The primary focus of the attack was the parking area for Russian military aircraft. CyberBoroschno, a Telegram channel specializing in military updates, reported the operation, highlighting its significance in undermining Russian air capabilities in the region.
Ukraine’s Pravda corroborated the missile strike, noting that several Russian military bloggers also confirmed the attack. They stated that a total of eight missiles were launched, with Russian air defenses claiming to have intercepted seven. However, analysts recorded detonations from submunitions released by two cluster warhead-equipped missiles, underscoring the strike’s impact.
Strategic Use of ATACMS
The attack follows another reported use of ATACMS missiles a day earlier, when Ukrainian forces hit an S-400 air defense radar station in the Kursk region. By disabling this key component, Ukrainian forces effectively rendered the associated missile defense system "blind," creating a critical vulnerability.
Forbes describes the ATACMS missiles as some of the most advanced munitions in Ukraine’s arsenal. However, their use is likely limited by supply constraints. Ukraine has reportedly received only two shipments of these missiles, produced in the 1990s, one in late 2023 and another in March 2024. Together, these deliveries are estimated to include around 50 missiles.
A High-Stakes Balancing Act
As the U.S. prepares to transition presidential administrations, outgoing President Joe Biden is accelerating arms transfers to Ukraine, including additional ATACMS. Despite their effectiveness, these missiles are a costly asset, originally priced at $1 million each—equivalent to 24.1 million CZK today. The U.S. military is expected to retain a significant stockpile of these missiles until its new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) system becomes operational.
Given the limited supply, experts believe Kyiv is reserving its ATACMS for high-value targets where they can achieve maximum strategic impact. Jack Watling of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) noted that concentrated use of these long-range missiles could create opportunities by disrupting Russian operations. For example, a previous ATACMS strike on an ammunition depot in Bryansk had significant ripple effects, potentially constraining Russian and North Korean forces’ resupply efforts in the Kursk region.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the Kursk airfield strike showcases Ukraine’s ability to hit deep within Russian territory, the long-term implications depend on Kyiv’s ability to capitalize on the disruptions caused. As Watling cautioned, the question remains whether Ukraine can exploit the "gaps" created by such attacks to advance its broader military objectives.
This latest escalation underscores the growing sophistication of Ukraine’s military operations and the high stakes of the ongoing conflict, as both sides adapt to new realities on the battlefield.
