Attack Supposedly Utilized US-Made ATACMS

Ukraine launched several missiles at the Russian Taganrog airfield on December 11, reportedly by using its recently obtained US-made ATACMS. Russia has since promised retaliation.

The Taganrog airfield is located in southern Russia by the Azov Sea, less than 100 miles from the front line in Ukraine. It has become a common target for Ukraine’s fleet of deep-strike munitions.

The attack utilized six US-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). Russia claims to have shot down two of the missiles fired using its Pantsir missile defense system, with the rest being taken out through electronic warfare.

"On the morning of December 11, 2024, the Kyiv regime launched a missile strike with Western precision weapons at the Taganrog military airfield in the Rostov region," the defense ministry stated. "This attack by Western long-range weapons will not go unanswered and appropriate measures will be taken.”

It also noted that no military personnel were injured, but that debris caused slight damage to military vehicles and nearby facilities.

The last time Ukraine employed Western-made missiles to strike Russia, on November 19 and 21, Russia fired back a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as “Oreshnik.” This has caused US officials to speculate whether the most recent strike could bring a similar response. However, authorities have clarified that Oreshnik is not seen as a major game-changer in the war.

Moscow forces are now pushing forward at their fastest pace in nearly three years, causing the war to enter what seems to be a very aggressive final phase. Though the US has backed Ukraine throughout the battle, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed that he intends to push for a ceasefire and quick negotiations.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com