Lockheed Martin’s ATACMS Missile Shakes Up Ukraine-Russia War with First Strike on Russian Soil

Lockheed Martin Corporation’s ATACMS missile has a maximum range of 500 km, featuring various warhead options and exceptional accuracy.

In the early Tuesday morning, Ukraine launched six ATACMS missiles at Russian border areas in Bryansk Oblast. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed that their air defense systems intercepted five missiles, while one reportedly caused damage. Ukraine hailed the attack as successful, marking the first Western-supplied long-range missile strike on Russian soil.

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), developed by Lockheed Martin, is a ballistic missile capable of reaching 500 kilometers (310 miles). Its design uses GPS and inertial guidance systems for precision strikes against high-value targets. The M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS serve as its highly mobile launch platforms. 

ATACMS variants include warheads like cluster munitions and unitary high-explosive payloads. Some models carry multiple smaller warheads capable of targeting individual objectives. In addition to the U.S., allies such as South Korea, Poland, Romania, and Taiwan also operate these missiles. Ukraine’s recent use of ATACMS against Russian territory marks a significant shift in the conflict’s dynamics.

Despite previous reluctance, the U.S. decision to supply ATACMS to Ukraine enabled this attack on Russian soil. For months, Kyiv had requested long-range weapons capable of striking within Russia, but Washington hesitated, fearing potential NATO entanglement. Some interpret this policy shift as a parting gesture from President Biden to Ukraine.

This unprecedented use of Western-supplied weapons on Russian territory has escalated the conflict. Moscow views it as direct Western intervention, with Russian President Vladimir Putin issuing stern warnings. Russia argues that Ukraine’s use of such weapons constitutes Western involvement and strongly opposes the U.S. policy change.

In response, Russia announced revisions to its nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for nuclear weapon use. The new policy considers attacks by non-nuclear states backed by nuclear powers as joint assaults. Russian officials have warned of potential World War III scenarios, threatening retaliation against NATO and Ukrainian targets with weapons of mass destruction.

Some experts speculate that this attack was calculated to gauge Russia’s response. Prof. Vasily Kashin of Moscow’s Higher School of Economics suggests that the limited strike on Bryansk was primarily a test of Russian reactions. There is also speculation about potential Ukrainian plans to target Kursk, where North Korean troops are reportedly stationed.

The U.S. must balance supporting Ukraine’s requests while managing the risk of escalation. North Korea’s involvement may also influence decisions regarding the use of long-range missiles in the conflict. Washington aims to send a message to Pyongyang while preparing for potential Russian military responses.