Ukrainian forces have continued their campaign to dismantle Russian medium-range air defense systems, with their latest target being the S-400 Triumf battery located in Crimea.
Executed by a Rocket Artillery Unit
According to Tech ukraine proudly announced the destruction of four launchers from the S-400 complex near Sevastopol, a significant blow to Russian defenses.
In addition to the air defense system, Ukraine successfully targeted the Russian submarine "Rostov-on-Don," which sank following the strike. This attack was executed by a rocket artillery unit in cooperation with the Ukrainian Navy, indicating the use of M142 HIMARS launchers loaded with MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles. These missiles are known for their effectiveness against Russian air defense and anti-missile systems.
The MGM-140 ATACMS missiles, introduced into U.S. service in the 1990s, have a range of approximately 165 to 300 kilometers depending on the version. Despite being an older system, the ATACMS remains highly effective in Ukrainian hands.
Features Satellite Navigation
The primary variants in use are the M39 and M39A1, with ranges of 165 km and 300 km, respectively. These missiles travel at speeds of Mach 3 (3700 km/h), presenting a significant challenge for Russian defense systems.
The M39 variant uses inertial navigation and carries 950 M74 APAM bomblets, while the M39A1 variant features satellite navigation and carries 300 bomblets, allowing for additional fuel and theoretically greater precision. However, recent Russian efforts to jam GPS signals have reduced the accuracy of these missiles, though the M39A1's destructive power remains largely unaffected.
The M74 APAM bomblets, weighing 590 grams and made of tungsten, are designed to create lethal fragments capable of piercing body armor and generating fires upon detonation. This ensures that within the blast radius, survival is nearly impossible.
