Russia analyzes US missiles: Implications and uncertainties

Russian experts are examining American ATACMS ballistic missiles, reports the RIA Novosti agency, citing an anonymous weapons specialist. According to the specialist, they are focusing on analyses of the missile's guidance and flight correction system, which has been causing the Russian army sleepless nights lately.

It should not be forgotten that Russia uses state media to spread disinformation and propaganda. Therefore, it is difficult to unequivocally assess the truthfulness of reports by the RIA Novosti agency. However, it is known that Russians, Ukrainians, and Americans alike study enemy weapons to learn as much as possible about them and use the acquired knowledge to develop effective countermeasures.

RIA Novosti does not explain how Russian experts acquired the ATACMS missile or its components. However, the agency posted a video that supposedly shows the "internal structure" of the missiles supplied by the United States to Ukraine, specifically the guidance and flight correction system.

The aforementioned weapons specialist reportedly told RIA Novosti: "The warheads of the ATACMS missile are presented. The guidance system includes three laser ring gyroscopes, which maintain the missile on a built-up ballistic trajectory. Additionally, a GPS antenna facilitates correction during the primary and final section of the ballistic trajectory."

At the end of 2023, deliveries of ATACMS ballistic missiles for Ukraine in the ATACMS M39 version began. This version allows for striking targets located up to 100 miles away. Later, there were reports that Washington was considering sending Kyiv long-range ATACMS with up to 186 miles. At the end of April 2024, the first reports emerged that this precision weapon was already in Ukraine.

ATACMS missiles are, in practice, sizeable rockets with a length of 13 feet and a mass exceeding 3,300 pounds, developed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The weapon was created to meet the U.S. Army's requirements for the capability to conduct strikes far behind enemy lines and into enemy territory. The missiles can attack enemy air defense, command centers, and logistics hubs.