Ukrainian forces utilize HIMARS to strike key Russian systems in Donetsk
Ukrainian units fighting in the Donetsk region are recording more successful attacks on Russian positions. This time, the losses were inflicted on the invaders thanks to HIMARS systems, whose capabilities we recall. We also explain what Russian equipment was hit.
Two videos confirming Russian losses have surfaced online. In one, Ukrainians attacked a parking lot where the Russians were hiding a TOR air defence system. The second video confirms the hit on the 1K148 "Jastreb-AV" radar reconnaissance system.
HIMARS destroys Russian equipment
"Our scouts inspected the area near Donbas Arena in Donetsk using a drone and found a Russian Tor anti-aircraft missile system. It was being escorted to a place where it was supposed to be hidden, and then it was destroyed," the Ukrainian military reported.
Tor is a surface-to-air anti-aircraft system developed in 1986. In later years, the Russians introduced subsequent versions with modifications that increased the radars' range and effectiveness. As a result, in the latest version, Tor can engage targets at a distance of up to 16 kilometres and an altitude of up to 10 kilometres.
An almost identical attack occurred on the 1K148 "Jastreb-AV" radar reconnaissance system. It was also located using a drone, after which artillery fire was directed at the determined location.
American "god of war"
This is another instance where Ukrainians effectively use the HIMARS artillery systems supplied by the United States. They are adapted for various types of ammunition.
Using standard MLRS 227 mm rockets targets up to 80 kilometres away can be engaged. However, the range of MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles is significantly greater, reaching up to 299 kilometres. Thanks to using inertial and satellite navigation, the precision of a hit is very high, so HIMARS is often referred to as the "god of war."
An important feature of this American artillery is also its excellent mobility. The launchers are mounted on an armoured truck chassis, which, combined with a 390 HP engine, allows the entire vehicle to move at speeds of up to 90 km/h.
