Ukraine strikes deep in Russia, killing 116 with U.S.-made missiles
Ukrainians are stepping up their operations deep within Russian territory, deploying MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles provided by the United States. The most recent strike targeted a military base near Kuban in the Luhansk region, resulting in the death of at least 116 Russian personnel. This article delves into the specifics of the attack and the capabilities of the weapons Ukraine has employed.
10:23 AM EDT, May 2, 2024
The Ukrainian forces have been persistently bombarding critical Russian sites with MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles. Following an assault on airports in Crimea, the focus shifted to the Kuban military range in the Luhansk region.
Three ATACMS missiles, each loaded with cluster warheads containing hundreds of M74 APAM bomblets, struck the site. These weapons cover a sizable area upon detonation. Footage released shows the release of bomblets over the target, one of which hit a concentration of Russian troops directly, resulting in at least 116 casualties.
The American-made weapons of destruction
In this instance, Ukraine employed MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles outfitted with cluster warheads, potentially utilizing either the older M39 or the more recent M39A1 models. Both models are packed with M74 APAM bomblets and spherical devices measuring roughly 2.36 inches in diameter and weighing 1.3 pounds each.
These bomblets house a mix of explosive and incendiary compounds activated by an impact fuse encased in tungsten. Upon detonation, they produce shrapnel capable of penetrating bulletproof vests and the exteriors of aircraft and helicopters. Essentially, survival is almost impossible for anyone near the blast.
A potent addition to Ukraine's arsenal
The explosive also ignites, scattering the fiery mixture across the area and potentially setting fuel from damaged tanks ablaze. The number of bomblets differs between missiles; the older M39 model can carry up to 950 bomblets, while the M39A1 can carry up to 300.
The primary distinction is that the older missile, with a reach of 102 miles, has a greater warhead-to-fuel ratio than the newer model, which can hit targets up to 186 miles away but focuses more on fuel. Additionally, the older M39 relies on less accurate inertial navigation, whereas the M39A1 incorporates satellite navigation, which, despite its advantages, can be unreliable.
Yet, given their immense destructive power, the missiles' slightly less precise impact is considered less critical than that of artillery shells. Even Russia's advanced S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems have struggled to intercept MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles.
