Ukraine Strikes Russian Air Defense with ATACMS Missiles in Kursk – November 2024
On November 26, 2024, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that Ukraine attacked Russian air defense systems and an airbase in the Kursk region using U.S.-made ATACMS missiles. This acknowledgment follows multiple reports about these strikes after Washington granted Ukraine permission to use these missiles against targets in Russia.
According to Russian sources, Ukrainian forces launched five ATACMS missiles on November 23 near the village of Latarevka, approximately 37 kilometers northwest of Kursk. Three missiles were intercepted, while two hit the positions of the S-400 ground-to-air missile systems, damaging radar equipment and resulting in personnel injuries.
The Ukrainian General Staff also claimed strikes on the S-400 radar in the Kursk region. On November 25, Ukraine fired eight ATACMS missiles at the Vostochny military base in Kholino, Kursk. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that seven were intercepted, but one missile reached its target, injuring two soldiers and damaging infrastructure.
How do ATACMS missiles change the operational dynamics of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia?
Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Alexei Petrov on Ukraine’s Use of ATACMS Missiles Against Russian Targets
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Petrov. On November 26, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed strikes by Ukraine on air defense systems and an airbase in the Kursk region using U.S.-made ATACMS missiles. What does this signify in the context of the ongoing conflict?
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me. The use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine represents a significant escalation in the conflict. This move not only highlights Ukraine’s capability to strike deep into Russian territory but also reflects a shift in U.S. policy allowing Ukraine to target specific military assets within Russia itself. It’s a clear signal of Ukraine’s intent to undermine Russia’s air defense infrastructure, which has been a critical component of their military strategy.
Interviewer: Reports indicate that Ukraine launched five ATACMS missiles near Latarevka on November 23, with some intercepting in the process. What can you tell us about the effectiveness of these strikes?
Dr. Petrov: According to the Russian Defense Ministry, three of the five missiles were intercepted, while two struck S-400 missile systems, causing damage and injuries. This outcome indicates that the ATACMS can effectively engage high-value targets despite the challenges posed by established air defense systems. The S-400s are known for their advanced capabilities, and penetrating their defenses is a notable achievement for Ukrainian forces.
Interviewer: Additionally, there were reports of another attack on November 25 against the Vostochny military base where eight missiles were fired. How significant is it that one missile reportedly reached its target?
Dr. Petrov: Hitting the Vostochny military base is critical because it underscores the vulnerabilities within Russian air defenses, even with significant deployment. The fact that one missile penetrated suggests that while the Russian system is robust, it is not infallible. Each successful strike erodes confidence in their air defense capabilities and potentially forces Russia to re-evaluate its operational strategies.
Interviewer: The situation seems fluid, with contrasting reports from various sources. How do you assess the reliability of these claims and the lack of comments from Ukrainian military forces?
Dr. Petrov: In such a complex and charged environment, information can often be unreliable, and both sides may have reasons to control the narrative. The Ukrainian military’s silence could be a tactical decision, perhaps to deny Russia the opportunity to assess the impact immediately or to maintain operational security. On the other hand, the open-source intelligence reports lend credibility to the damage claims. It’s important for analysts and observers to track this information closely and remain cautious in drawing conclusions.
Interviewer: what are the implications of this development for NATO and the broader geopolitical context?
Dr. Petrov: The engagement in deep strikes using ATACMS could draw NATO further into the conflict, especially if it leads to significant Russian retaliation. This escalation may pressure other Western allies to provide additional military support to Ukraine. The dynamics of this conflict are rapidly evolving, and we must watch how Russia responds, as that will influence not only military strategies but also political relations within the region.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights on this critical issue.
Dr. Petrov: Thank you for having me.
The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims. While Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysts reported damage to the Russian airbase, Ukrainian military forces did not comment on the attacks.