TechUkrainian forces strike Russian logistics with HIMARS in Kursk

Ukrainian forces strike Russian logistics with HIMARS in Kursk

The Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region would not have such tangible effects without the involvement of Western equipment. A new video posted on social media shows that Ukrainians are also using HIMARS artillery. What is this weapon?

HIMARS used in the Kursk region of Russia
HIMARS used in the Kursk region of Russia
Images source: © X, @front_ukrainian

12:51 PM EDT, August 21, 2024

From the very beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, it was clear that the Russians would have to face not only post-Soviet but also Western weapons in the ranks of the Ukrainians. In the first days of the operation in the Kursk region, some of the elite Ukrainian brigades equipped with equipment from NATO countries appeared there.

HIMARS in the Kursk region

Reports showed American Stryker armored personnel carriers and their specialist Stryker M1132 variants, German Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks. The list should also include HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery.

The new video shown by the Ukrainians demonstrates the use of the HIMARS system to destroy Russian logistics. In this instance, it was an attack on their pontoon bridges set up to transfer troops and equipment.

This artillery, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, is adapted for firing various types of ammunition, which is one feature contributing to its extensive capabilities.

Valued American artillery

The standard MLRS missiles, characterized by a calibre of 9 inches and a range of about 50 miles, can be used. However, greater destructive power is provided by MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles, which, depending on the version, can hit targets 100 or even 186 miles away. Additionally, HIMARS allows the use of GMLRS missiles with cluster warheads. 

HIMARS is sometimes called the "god of war" due to its high effectiveness and accuracy, made possible by a combination of inertial and satellite navigation.

Equally important is the fact that it uses a wheeled chassis (6x6 drive), which, combined with a 390 HP engine, provides excellent mobility for the entire system. On roads, the vehicle with launchers can reach speeds of up to 56 mph, and its range is estimated to be about 298 miles.

© essanews.com
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.