Ukraine Potentially Gets Long-range Missiles Armed With Cluster Bombs From The United States

Ukrainian military illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Ministry of Defense of Ukraine/Taras Gren)

JAKARTA - Ukraine has the potential to acquire long-range missiles equipped with cluster bombs from the United States, as Joe Biden Administration funds that close to approving the plan, provide Kyiv with the ability to cause significant deeper damage to Russian occupied territory, according to four sources of US officials.

After seeing the success of the bunch munitions delivered in 155 mm artillery shells in recent months, Washington is considering the delivery of one of the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) that can fly up to 190 miles (306 km), or a Guided Multiple Launch System (GMLRS) with a range of 45 miles equipped with bulk bombs, three US officials said.

If approved, any option will be available for fast delivery to Kyiv.

Ukraine is currently equipped with 155 mm artillery with a maximum range of 18 miles carrying up to 48 bombs. The ATACMS in question will be capable of firing about 300 bombs or more. The GMLRS rocket system, a version that Ukraine has owned for months, will be able to deploy up to 404 bunch munitions.

As Ukraine's efforts against Russian troops show signs of progress, the Washington government wants to increase Ukraine's military power at an important time, two sources said.

The White House declined to comment on the Reuters report. Meanwhile, the decision to send ATACMS or GMLRS, or both, has not been finalized and could still fail, the four sources said.

President Biden's administration has been struggling with decisions on ATACMS for months, fearing their shipments will be considered a too aggressive move against Russia.

ATACMS is designed for "direct attacks on troops in the second layer of the enemy," according to the US Army website, and can be used to attack command and control centers, air defenses, and logistics locations far behind the front lines.

Kyiv itself has repeatedly asked ATACMS to President Biden's government to help attack and disrupt supply lines, air bases and rail networks in Russia's occupied territories.

"Now is the time," said one US official as Ukrainian forces attempted to break through Russia's defensive line south of Orikhiv City, in an attempt to divide Russian troops and put their main supply line under threat.

ATACMS or GMLRS with this capability will not only boost Ukraine's morale, but will also provide the necessary tactical blow in the fight, the official said.

It is known that the bunch munitions are prohibited in more than 100 countries. Russia, Ukraine, and the United States have not signed a Bulk Munition Convention, which prohibits production, hoarding, use, and relocation of weapons.

Munisi tantan biasanya melepaskan bom kecil dalam jumlah besar yang dapat membunuhkan tanpa pandang di wilayah yang luas. Bom yang gagal mengapun akan menyebabkan bahaya selama beberapa dekade setelah konflik berakhir.

So far, Washington has provided military assistance of more than $40 billion to Kyiv since Russia launched a massive invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.