Russia's defense ministry reported on Saturday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted four state-of-the-art ATACMS missiles recently acquired by Ukraine from the United States.
Just weeks after receiving these cutting-edge missiles from the U.S., Ukraine has actively deployed them against targets in Crimea.
The ATACMS missiles, known for their long-range capability exceeding 186 Miles and their effectiveness in penetrating sophisticated air defenses, represent a notable escalation in Ukraine's tactical capabilities.
The news, originally reported by Reuters, comes as the region witnesses heightened military activity.
The downing of these missiles marks a critical moment, given that Ukraine had used the same type of missile to strike four of Russia's most advanced air defense systems in Crimea at the end of April.
Technology at the Forefront
The ATACMS missile system is particularly significant due to its precision and reach, making it a valuable asset in Ukraine's arsenal against Russian forces.
The ATACMS missile is a type of ballistic missile.
Ballistic missiles fly high into the atmosphere before diving down towards their target at high speed — in fact, they can reach speeds of up to one kilometer per second.
This also means that ballistic missiles are particularly effective at striking air defense systems.
