Both Ukraine and Russia already use military multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), but neither is like the Himars, missiles made up of a mobile unit that launches several precision-guided missiles simultaneously.
The M142 Himars systems, which the United States will send to Ukraine, are a lighter and more agile version of the M270 MLRS, developed in the 1970s and used by US and allied forces, The Guardian reports. The GPS-guided missiles fired by the Himars have a range twice as long as those supplied by the Americans to Ukraine.
With a range of up to 80 kilometers, these systems have six tubes preloaded with guided missiles, while the M270 only has two. Tubes can be removed and replaced in minutes. Soldiers need specific training to maneuver Himars.
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Himars won’t turn the tide of warfare overnight, but a senior US defense official told The Guardian that these systems will “level the playing field”. This is because they will give Ukraine the ability to attack from a greater distance and with more security, both militarily and with weapons.
NATO member countries Poland and Romania have already acquired Himars from the United States, which will not provide Ukraine with the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), which has a larger tube with a tactical missile with a range of up to 300 kilometres.
The United States wants to limit the scope of rockets that they are going to send to Ukraine because they want these systems not to be used to attack targets in Russia. If they provided the ATACMS system, it would be possible for the Ukrainian forces to attack the main Russian urban and military centers, including the airfields from which the attacks against Ukraine are launched, adds The Guardian.
Source: Observadora
