HIMARS artillery shifts balance in Ukraine's Kursk offensive
The Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region would not have had such tangible effects if it were not for the involvement of Western equipment. A new video posted on social media shows that Ukrainians are also using HIMARS artillery. What is this weapon?
From the very beginning of the Ukrainian offensive, it was clear that the Russians would have to face not only post-Soviet but also Western weapons in the ranks of the Ukrainians. In the first days of the operation in the Kursk region, some of the elite Ukrainian brigades equipped with equipment from NATO countries appeared there.
HIMARS in the Kursk region
Reports showed American Stryker armoured personnel carriers and their specialist Stryker M1132 variants, German Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and Polish PT-91 Twardy tanks. The list should also include HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery.
The new video shown by the Ukrainians depicts the use of the HIMARS system to destroy Russian logistics. In this case, it was an attack on pontoon bridges set up to transfer troops and equipment.
This artillery system, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, can fire various types of ammunition, which contributes to its impressive capabilities.
Valued American artillery
Here, standard MLRS missiles can be used, characterised by a calibre of 230mm and a range of about 80km. However, greater destructive power is provided by MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles, which, depending on the version, can hit targets 160km or even 300km away. Additionally, HIMARS allows for the use of GMLRS missiles with cluster warheads.
HIMARS is sometimes called the "god of war." This is due to its very high effectiveness and accuracy, which are made possible, among other things, by the combination of inertial and satellite navigation.
Equally important is the fact that it uses a wheeled chassis (6x6 drive), which, combined with a 390 HP engine, provides excellent mobility for the entire system. On roads, the vehicle with launchers can reach speeds of up to 90 km/h, and its range is estimated to be about 480km.
