The U.S. plans to deliver Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine by the end of next week, according to Mark Warner, Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee.
During an interview with CBS, Warner highlighted that this move comes as part of a broader $61 billion aid package that is expected to receive approval from the Senate between April 23-24 and subsequently be signed into law by President Joe Biden.
Escalation in U.S. Commitment
The upcoming aid package represents a notable escalation in U.S. support, marking the first instance of these long-range missile systems being included in the aid to Ukraine.
The ATACMS is known for its significant strike capability, capable of hitting targets far beyond the reach of the previously supplied weaponry.
Warner noted that the American administration has been preparing to transfer the ATACMS to Ukraine for the last two months, a plan that was officially included in a recently approved document.
The addition of such long-range weaponry could alter the strategic balance in the region, potentially increasing Ukraine's capability to conduct operations at greater distances.
Earlier in April, military analyst Anatoliy Matviychuk reported that the ATACMS missiles, which are to be transferred to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, feature a large area of impact.
This addition comes despite concerns raised in a January issue of Foreign Affairs, which detailed the Russian Armed Forces' ability to jam the guidance systems of ballistic missiles like the ATACMS and the rocket projectiles used by the HIMARS systems.
