To disrupt Russia and devastate its territories and targets, Ukraine's five weapons have proven extremely dangerous. These arms, supplied by the USA and European nations, have enabled Ukraine to pressurize Russia. They include the ATACMS, HIMARS, Patriot, Storm Shadow, and Javelin anti-tank missiles.
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Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)
Source: aajtak
Ukraine has several batteries of the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), manufactured by the USA. Weighing 1670 kg, this missile is 13 feet long with a diameter of 24 inches. It has a range of 300 km and can ascend to a maximum height of 50 km. The missile travels towards its target at a speed of 3704 km/hr and is armed with fragmentation and penetration warheads.
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Storm Shadow Cruise Missile
In addition to ATACMS, Ukraine is making extensive use of the Storm Shadow cruise missile, developed by France and Britain. This long-range air-launched missile weighs 1300 kg and is 16.9 feet long, 25 inches wide, and 19 inches high. It carries a multi-stage 450 kg warhead.
Source: aajtak
With a range of 550 km, the missile can cover 323 meters per second (1200 km/hr). It can be launched from various fighter jets and silently approaches its target after launch, making it nearly undetectable.
M142 HIMARS Artillery Rocket System
Source: aajtak
This is a lightweight multiple rocket launcher used in various wars since 2010. It is 23 feet long and requires three people to operate. The system’s range is between 2 km and 300 km and it can launch six 227 mm rockets. The HIMARS launcher can be transported at a speed of 85 km/hr covering a range of 480 km.
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Patriot Missile
Developed in the USA, the Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) has been trusted for 42 years. It is among the most reliable air defense systems globally, also used to intercept ballistic missiles. Ukraine claims it shot down Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal missile using the Patriot system.
Source: aajtak
These missiles weigh between 312 and 914 kg and are 15.10 to 17.1 feet long. Each variant has small wings with a wingspan of 1.8 to 3 feet. They carry various warheads including blast, high-explosive, and fragmentation, weighing between 73 and 90 kg. Their range spans from 30 km to 160 km, and they can ascend to an altitude of 80,000 feet with speeds varying between 3430 and 5022 km/hr.
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Javelin Anti-Tank Missile (Javelin ATGM)
Javelin missiles use infrared technology for precise targeting. The missile launcher weighs 22.3 kg, missile included, and is equipped with day/night vision. The missile can accurately hit targets up to 2500 meters away and is highly effective against tanks. It is also used to destroy small buildings and bunkers.
Source: aajtak
Known as a 'fire-and-forget' weapon, the target is locked before the trigger is pulled, and after launch, it self-guides to the target, demolishing it within seconds. The U.S. Army has used the Javelin missile since 1996. Lightweight and portable, it can be shoulder-fired and used effectively in difficult terrain.
