The first episode of the use of ATACMS tactical missiles in the possession of the Ukrainian Armed Forces can be called a historic event.
It is important to note that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have become only the second operator in history to use ATACMS missiles in actual combat operations. The first to use these missiles were the U.S. Army, which employed them during the 'Desert Storm' operation in 1991 and 'Iraqi Freedom' in 2003.
Read more: Ukraine's Military Hit Russia's Army Aviation Airfields, Enemy Howls and Complains About ATACMS
However, back then, American military personnel used these missiles to strike clearly segmented targets – the enemy's air defense positions and their command posts. Ukrainian military personnel became the first in history to use long-range ATACMS missiles specifically for strikes against the enemy's airfields.
At the same time, the first satellite image of the Russian airfield in the temporarily occupied Berdiansk has already become available in open access. It was precisely there on the night of October 16-17 that the Ukrainian Armed Forces carried out a missile strike using MGM-140 ATACMS missiles.
Although the image is not clear, you can still discern elements resembling traces of damage to helicopters or other vehicles in the parking areas.
Thus, we can see the advantages of using missiles equipped with cluster warheads for targeting large enemy objectives. In addition, one missile can simultaneously target multiple enemy objectives situated over a significant area.
As Defense Express reported, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have revealed preliminary information about which and how many targets could be destroyed at enemy airfields in Berdyansk and Luhansk as part of the operation called DRAGONFLY.
Read more: ATACMS it Was: New Photos Show the Missile Engine Found on Ruins of Russian Air Base in Berdiansk
