The United States has been sending fresh consignments of Army Tactical Missile System rockets to Ukraine since April, causing concern among Russian commanders who knew what was coming. Ukraine had previously used ATACMS rockets to target Russian helicopters and air-defense batteries near the front line. The recent shipment of more than 100 ATACMS rockets led to the Russian air force and navy relocating their warplanes to bases beyond the range of the precision-guided missiles.
Despite the redeployment, Ukrainian ATACMS batteries targeted Russian aircraft at Belbek air base in Russian-occupied Crimea, resulting in the destruction of air-defense equipment, damage to jets, and the reported deaths of seven Russian troops. While photos of the wrecked equipment were available, there were no images of the damaged jets, making the aircraft losses uncertain. The Russian air force had deployed S-400 air-defense batteries in Crimea before the conflict began, and at least one of these batteries has been destroyed by recent ATACMS strikes.
The absence of R-37-armed MiG-31 aircraft over Ukraine makes the sky safer for Ukrainian pilots, as these long-range air-to-air fighters pose a significant threat to Ukrainian aircraft. Ukrainian planners are hopeful to confirm the reported hit on the MiG-31, as their loss would weaken Russian air defenses over Crimea. The Russian air force takes measures to protect its MiG-31 aircraft, relocating them away from the front line when Ukraine acquired ATACMS rockets with a longer range.
The presence of R-37-armed MiG-31s in Crimea has forced Ukrainian pilots to fly low to avoid detection, limiting their radar capabilities and missile range. The loss of MiG-31 aircraft would be advantageous for the Ukrainians as they continue to target Russian forces in Crimea. Despite the risks posed by the ATACMS rockets, the Russians may have limited options for defending the peninsula without exposing their aircraft to potential attacks.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen Ukrainian forces utilizing ATACMS rockets to target Russian military assets with precision strikes. The damage inflicted on Russian air-defense equipment and aircraft demonstrates the effectiveness of these missiles in disrupting Russian operations. The situation in Crimea remains tense as both sides continue to engage in strategic maneuvers to gain an advantage in the conflict.
