Daily Current Affairs : 20-November-2024

The recent use of American-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) by Ukraine’s military to strike a Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk is a significant milestone in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. This action highlights the growing role of advanced weaponry in modern warfare and demonstrates Ukraine’s increasing reliance on Western support.

What Are ATACMS?

ATACMS is a short-range ballistic missile system developed by Lockheed Martin in the 1980s. These missiles are designed to deliver high precision and powerful strikes against key military targets, including ammunition depots, air defense systems, and command centers. The system is highly valued for its ability to strike deep into enemy territory, far beyond the reach of traditional artillery.

Key Features of ATACMS:

  • Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin.
  • Type: Short-range ballistic missile.
  • Range: Up to 190 miles (300 km), depending on the version used.
  • Warhead: Carries around 375 pounds of explosives.
  • Launch Platforms: Compatible with HIMARS mobile launchers, as well as older M270 systems provided by the U.S., Britain, and Germany.
  • Purpose: Primarily used to hit high-value military targets deep within enemy lines.
How ATACMS Works

ATACMS missiles are launched from mobile platforms, such as HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems). Once fired, the missile travels into the atmosphere at a high altitude before descending rapidly towards its target. This high-speed descent allows ATACMS to strike with accuracy and devastating force, making it a critical asset in targeting enemy infrastructure.

Impact on the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

The use of ATACMS by Ukraine is a game-changer in the ongoing war with Russia. By striking deep behind enemy lines, Ukraine can disrupt Russian supply chains, reduce ammunition stockpiles, and weaken Russia’s military infrastructure. This not only creates tactical advantages for Ukrainian forces but also sends a strong message about the growing sophistication of Ukraine’s military capabilities, aided by Western weapon systems.

Important Points:
  • ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) is a short-range ballistic missile developed by Lockheed Martin in the 1980s.
  • Range: ATACMS missiles can travel up to 190 miles (300 km), depending on the model.
  • Warhead: It carries approximately 375 pounds of explosives, making it highly destructive.
  • Launch Platforms: Compatible with HIMARS mobile launchers and older M270 systems from the U.S., Britain, and Germany.
  • Purpose: Designed to target high-value military and paramilitary facilities deep within enemy lines.
  • Flight Characteristics: ATACMS missiles travel into the atmosphere and descend rapidly to strike their targets with high precision.
  • Ukraine’s Use: Ukraine used ATACMS to strike a Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk, marking a significant development in the conflict.
  • Impact: The strike disrupts Russian supply lines, reduces ammunition stockpiles, and weakens Russian military infrastructure.
  • Strategic Advantage: The use of ATACMS enhances Ukraine’s military capabilities with long-range precision strikes.
Why In News

Ukraine’s military used American-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) to strike a Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk, marking a significant development in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. This powerful strike underscores Ukraine’s increasing reliance on advanced Western weaponry, which enhances its ability to target key Russian military infrastructure deep behind enemy lines.

MCQs about Ukraine’s Game-Changing Strike with ATACMS Missiles
  1. What is the primary purpose of the ATACMS missile system?
    A. To defend against aerial attacks
    B. To deliver airstrikes from fighter jets
    C. To target high-value military facilities deep within enemy lines
    D. To provide anti-tank capabilities
    Correct Answer: C. To target high-value military facilities deep within enemy lines
    Explanation: ATACMS is specifically designed to strike key military targets, such as ammunition depots, air defense systems, and command centers, deep within enemy territory, providing a strategic advantage.
  2. What is the range of the ATACMS missile system?
    A. 100 miles (160 km)
    B. 190 miles (300 km)
    C. 250 miles (400 km)
    D. 500 miles (800 km)
    Correct Answer: B. 190 miles (300 km)
    Explanation: The ATACMS missile system has a range of up to 190 miles (300 km), allowing it to target enemy positions far behind the front lines.
  3. Which launch platforms are compatible with ATACMS missiles?
    A. Mobile air defense systems
    B. HIMARS and older M270 systems
    C. Helicopter-based launchers
    D. Ground-based artillery
    Correct Answer: B. HIMARS and older M270 systems
    Explanation: ATACMS missiles are designed to be launched from mobile platforms like the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems) and older M270 systems, making them highly versatile in the field.
  4. What was the significance of Ukraine’s recent use of ATACMS in the conflict with Russia?
    A. It marked the first use of airstrikes in the conflict.
    B. It demonstrated Ukraine’s reliance on advanced Western weaponry for deep strikes against Russia.
    C. It led to a ceasefire agreement.
    D. It caused Russia to withdraw from the conflict.
    Correct Answer: B. It demonstrated Ukraine’s reliance on advanced Western weaponry for deep strikes against Russia.
    Explanation: The strike on the Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk highlighted Ukraine’s growing use of advanced Western weapons like ATACMS, which enables them to carry out long-range, precision attacks on strategic Russian targets.

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