The US may approve the transfer of ATACMS ballistic missiles to Ukraine in autumn, with GLSDB deliveries to begin in a few months' time

The US presidential administration is again considering the possibility of supplying Ukraine with ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles for HIMARS. The decision may be made in the autumn.

Here's What We Know

According to The Wall Street Journal, the White House may approve the supply of ATACMS to support the Ukrainian Defence Forces' offensive in autumn. Ballistic missiles will allow to strike at 300 kilometres.

At the same time, we should not forget that information about Ukraine's chance to receive ATACMS with a cluster warhead has recently emerged. One of the modifications of the missile has a launch range of about 165 kilometres. In addition, there have been talks about supplying GMLRS with a cluster warhead.

US officials believe that ATACMS will not allow to break through defences directly. However, even in such a case, the importance of ballistic missiles can hardly be overestimated, as they will make it possible to destroy logistical hubs of the Russian army in the occupied territories.

In addition, The Wall Street Journal mentions a development by Saab and Boeing called the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). It is a combination of a GBU-39 small diameter bomb and a rocket motor. The GLSDB can be used by the M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS systems. The maximum launch range is 150 kilometres.

U.S. authorities approved the GLSDB deliveries almost a year ago. At this point, Boeing and Saab had not yet finalised the development of the new projectile. Nevertheless, according to The Wall Street Journal, deliveries will begin in a few months.

Source: WSJ