Ukraine will certainly get the help of a new advanced weapon from the United States, namely multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). Ukraine seems to be very passionate about this weapon technology. Why is that?
The US has agreed to send long-range rocket systems and more precise munitions to Ukraine. The weapons sent were the M142 Himars (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) MLRS. The version delivered to Ukraine can shoot up to 80 kilometers.
Initially, the US will send 4 units of the system and train Ukrainian soldiers for at least 3 weeks to use it. Depending on the type of ammunition, HIMARS can fire up to 600 kilometers.
But the US was careful not to send the most advanced so as not to be fired into Russian areas and escalate conflict tensions.
The Himars system is carried in a truck mounted launcher and can carry 6 GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) missiles. The new armament is a major upgrade from the Howitzers that Ukraine has relied on for so long.
"Ukraine has long requested a system that would allow them to attack Russian troops from greater distances, stating that it was important to defend and launch a counterattack," the Financial Times quoted us as saying.
In recent days, Russia has made progress in the Donbas area. So Ukraine wants to repulse them with these new weapons.
"This American rocket system is not only more far-reaching but also more powerful than the Howitzers, combat drones, anti-tank missiles and anti-aircraft missiles that western countries have supplied so far," the Financial Times said.
The US itself initially hesitated to send the weapons because if there was a shot at Russia, the conflict could get worse. But the Ukrainian side has guaranteed not to do that.
Ukraine actually requested a longer-range missile, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), which can reach up to 300 kilometers. But America did not accept it.
"We don't want to escalate this conflict and don't want the system to be used to attack Russian territory," said Colin Kahl of the US Department of Defense.
The given system is sufficient to shoot enemy artillery. "Once enemy artillery is identified, it is important to shoot them down quickly. This Russian artillery is proving to be a major threat to the Ukrainian army," said Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.