US to send upgraded ATACMS missiles soon, says Ukraine

A Ukrainian official said he believes that Ukraine might soon get ATACMS long-range missiles from the United States, that can travel almost twice as far as the ones recently delivered.
Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister, Dmytro Kuleba, revealed to the Ukrainian TV channel 1+1 that the next missile shipment is expected to include the newer ATACMS model, capable of traveling approximately 190 miles, compared to the 100-mile range of the recently supplied missiles, according to a translation by Ukrainian outlet the Kyiv Post.
The recent delivery of ATACMS missiles confirmed by the US, which had a range of about 100 miles, was utilized in a significant attack on Russian air bases, Ukraine verified on Tuesday.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said, The strikes resulted in the destruction of nine Russian helicopters, an air-defense launcher, vehicles, ammunition depots, and also damaged airfields of the Russian territory.
According to Business Insider, A Russian milblogger with connections to Russia’s air force said the recent airstrike in Ukraine might be the “most serious” one against Russia since the country began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Dmytro Kuleba, referring to a conversation between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Joe Biden, said in his latest statement on Thursday:
“We discussed defense support, including the fact that ATACMS can help us speed up the liberation of Ukraine from the occupier,” Zelenskyy said in his speech. “We also talked about preserving assistance to Ukraine next year — about a significant support package for our country.”
Kuleba said that “if you read between the lines of President Zelenskyy’s speech after his talks with Biden, you can understand that a very important decision was made.”
The Kyiv Post reported that When asked if this decision involves obtaining longer-range missiles, Kuleba indicated, “That’s the implication,” without specifying the quantity or arrival timing of these missiles.
US hasn’t publicly declared any more ATACMS missile deliveries to Ukraine, just as it didn’t announce the previous shipment beforehand.
Western officials told The New York Times, this week, that about 20 ATACMS missiles were included in the initial shipment. Further details about additional shipments have not been officially disclosed.
Ukraine has persistently requested enhanced and longer-range weapons from its allies to aid its defense against Russia.
(With inputs from agencies)