Russian Specialists Study ATACMS Missile Guidance System

Russian specialists are currently examining the guidance and flight correction system of the American ATACMS operational-tactical missile.

According to a weapons specialist who spoke to government-controlled RIA Novosti, they have access to a block of laser gyroscopes and a GPS module.

For the first time, RIA Novosti is displaying the internal structure of the missiles supplied from the United States to Ukraine. The specialist described the components of the missile's guidance system: “The warheads of the ATACMS missile are presented. The guidance system includes three laser ring gyroscopes, which maintain the missile on a built-up ballistic trajectory. Additionally, a GPS antenna facilitates correction during the primary and final sections of the ballistic trajectory.”

These specialists have been granted the opportunity to study the rocket systems' operations throughout the entire flight trajectory and the capability to correct the flight path.

In April, the Pentagon confirmed the transfer of ATACMS long-range operational-tactical missiles to Ukraine for use "within sovereign Ukrainian territory." Western media reports indicated that the latest deliveries included, for the first time, a modification with a range of 300 kilometers.

ATACMS, developed by Lockheed Martin, is a tactical ballistic missile that can be launched from multiple rocket launchers, including the M142 HIMARS.

In October, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the U.S. decision to supply these missiles to Ukraine, calling it a mistake. He stated that while these weapons pose an additional threat, they would not radically change the situation on the battlefield.

Last week, Ukraine utilized ATACMS missiles in an attack on a Crimean beach in Sevastopol, resulting in the deaths of five civilians and injuries to over 100 others. Following this incident, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a warning to Washington, promising retaliatory measures for such actions. "The ambassador was told that such actions by Washington... will not go unpunished. Retaliatory measures will certainly follow," the Ministry asserted, indicating a potential escalation in the conflict.