TechFirst confirmed Ukrainian HIMARS loss near Kherson: A strategic blow

First confirmed Ukrainian HIMARS loss near Kherson: A strategic blow

An analysis of video footage released by the Russians suggests that a reconnaissance drone identified the Ukrainian HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System). Once the enemy's coordinates were relayed to command, a decision was made to utilize another unit for artillery bombardment. This incident occurred near the border of the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, approximately 25 miles from the main frontline.
Russian attack on the Ukrainian HIMARS system
Russian attack on the Ukrainian HIMARS system
Images source: © X, @MyLordBebo

Evidence points towards the Russians employing missiles from the Tornado-S system for this attack. Notably, the Tornado-S is among the newest rocket artillery systems in the Russian arsenal and is conceptually akin to the HIMARS.

The Tornado-S represents a substantial upgrade over the older BM-30 Smerch systems. With various missiles, it can strike targets as far as 125 miles away. The reason behind the Ukrainian HIMARS being positioned in an open area during daylight (as these systems are typically operated at night) remains unclear.

The HIMARS has earned the reputation of "god of war" due to its formidable firepower and precision. Its loss was a notable setback for the Ukrainian forces, and it served as a significant symbolic victory for the Russians. Despite eliminating several units, this marks the first time they have documented a successful strike against this weapon, as only photos indicating damage were previously available.

War analysts remind us that Ukraine has received numerous HIMARS launchers from the United States. Additionally, several European countries have supplied M270 systems, the older, tracked counterparts to the HIMARS.

The M270 launchers can house up to 12 missile rockets of 227 mm caliber or two MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles, offering double the capacity of the newer, wheeled HIMARS launchers.

Yet, the newer systems benefit from being smaller and lighter, enhancing their mobility. This wheeled configuration also makes them less costly to maintain. The M270 and HIMARS systems boast a maximum range of up to 186 miles.

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