Why in News? The US has confirmed providing long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine to aid its war effort against Russia, soon after the US Congress passed a Bill that apportioned $61 billion worth of funding for Ukraine.

What is ATACMS? The ATACMS is one of the most potent missile systems built by US-based arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin. This is a surface-to-surface artillery weapon system. Its biggest strengths are the long-range of attack, ability to fire cluster munitions, and the weapon system’s mobility. The missiles were part of a $300 million military aid package for Ukraine.

What is the Range of ATACMS? There is a mid-range version of the ATACMS, called Block 1, and there is a long-range version, Block 1A. ATACMS Block 1 has a range of 165 km and Ukraine was provided these systems last year. ATACMS Block 1A, on the other hand, has a maximum range of 300 km which is capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets and other missiles.

Can Ukraine Target Russian Territories with ATACMS? Despite territories deep inside Russia now being within the range of the ATACMS, Ukraine cannot use it to hit targets in these locations. Ukraine has committed to only use the weapons inside Ukraine, not in Russia. The US administration has made it clear that the weapons cannot be used to hit targets inside Russia. The Biden administration is concerned that if Ukraine strikes deep into Russian territory, it would anger Moscow and escalate the conflict.