Himars artillery strengthens Ukrainian offensive in Kursk region
The Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region would not have achieved such significant effects without 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 evident that the Russians would not only face post-Soviet but also Western weapons used by the Ukrainians. In the initial days of the operation in the Kursk region, elite Ukrainian brigades equipped with NATO-supplied equipment 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 include HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) artillery.
The new video released by the Ukrainians demonstrates the use of the HIMARS system to destroy Russian logistics. In this instance, it involved an attack on their pontoon bridges set up to transfer troops and equipment.
This artillery system, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin, is designed to fire various types of ammunition, which is one feature contributing to its extensive capabilities.
Valued American artillery
Standard MLRS missiles, with a calibre of 220 millimetres and a range of about 80 kilometres, can be used. However, greater destructive power is provided by MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles, which, depending on the version, can hit targets 160 or even 300 kilometres away. Additionally, HIMARS allows the use of GMLRS missiles with cluster warheads.
HIMARS is sometimes called the "god of war" due to its high effectiveness and accuracy, achieved through a combination of inertial and satellite navigation.
Equally important is 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 speed up to 90 kilometres per hour, and its range is estimated to be about 480 kilometres.
