Hell awaits Russian military airfields: analysts said what ATACMS missiles will change

True, right here, analysts add that there is a possibility that the American aid, which was delayed by several months, allowed the Russians to prepare.

According to ISW analysts, Ukraine first used US-supplied ATACMS long-range missiles as early as 2023. on October 17, when they hit Berdiansk and Luhansk airfields.

Ukrainian forces at the time probably sought to disrupt air strikes by the Russian armed forces. However, at that time, Ukraine did not have a sufficient number of ATACMS missiles.

War in Ukraine

(13 photos)

Ukrainian soldiers (photo by SCANPIX)

War in Ukraine (photo by SCANPIX)

Ukrainian soldiers (photo by SCANPIX)

War in Ukraine (photo by SCANPIX)

Danger to Russian helicopters

According to ISW analysts, versions of ATACMS missiles with cluster munitions allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to more effectively strike airfields and destroy aircraft and other objects there on a large scale. Such actions could prompt Russian troops to divert aircraft away from the front lines. However, the rockets will do the most damage to helicopters, as their flight range is shorter, analysts predict.

According to ISW analysts, the Russian armed forces are now actively using aircraft to carry out strategic bomb strikes along the entire front line, so moving the aircraft away from the front line may have little effect on the duration of the bomb’s flight.

In addition, as noted by ISW, ATACMS missiles can attack Russian ammunition depots in rear areas. The command of the occupying forces will then choose between strengthening the existing depots and dispersing them further. However, as analysts note, there is a possibility that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have prepared for such an event.

According to analysts, strikes by the armed forces against Russian logistics or aviation facilities in the deep rear areas will have operational significance. It also requires the Defense Forces to successfully coordinate air attacks with ground operations.