Ukraine Is Asking For More Powerful Weapons: This Is Why We Are Hesitating

More, Please

As we provide Ukraine with increasingly powerful weapons systems, we are mindful of how they will be used. According to the BBC, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) we have sent to Ukraine has a maximum effective range of approximately 50 miles. They have been used to good effect to destroy enemy command and control centers and supply depots. This cuts off the Russians from what they need to move forward with an attack. It’s a good strategy and has worked well so far for the Ukrainians.

Having successfully pushed the Russians back and regaining some of their lost territories, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is asking the world for still more powerful weapons to help his forces get the job done. He has been trying to get the Germans to send him Leopard tanks for months, but with no success. So instead, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht has pledged 50 “Dingo“ armored personnel carriers to Ukraine in addition to two Medium Artillery Rocket Systems and 200 rounds to use with them. Better than a sharp stick in the eye, but not precisely the main battle tanks.

More recently, Zelensky has approached President Biden and Washington, asking them for a longer-range missile system capable of striking targets almost 200 miles away. Specifically, he would like the United States to provide Ukraine with the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).

The MGM-140 ATACMS (or attack ’ems) has a maximum effective range of 190 miles, more than triple the range of missiles currently used in the HIMARS systems in Ukraine. In addition, it can be launched by the American M270 tracked Multiple Launch Rocket System platforms (as shown in the photo above) or HIMARS.