Russian specialists have recently snagged the guidance and flight correction system of the US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missile, a win in the Ukraine conflict. This allows Russia to dissect America’s prized tech, likely boosting their own defensive and offensive strategies.
The US keeps trying to counter Russia and showcase its military prowess, but it seems none of it is sticking. Russia has repeatedly shown the world that no flashy US military technology can truly outshine its own capabilities.
Russian specialists recently scored a significant win by acquiring the guidance and flight correction system of the US-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missile. This little treasure trove of tech secrets could offer Russia some great insights into how these American toys work. The ATACMS missile boasts a dual guidance system, blending an Inertial Navigation System (INS) with GPS for precision strikes. This makes it more reliable than purely GPS-guided weapons. This feature helps ensure the missile reaches its target effectively.
Imagine the shock when Russian forces realized they could potentially use this guidance system to trace the launchers used in Ukrainian attacks. It’s like getting the keys to the kingdom. With the ATACMS guidance system in their possession, Russian designers have a golden opportunity to dive deep into its technological intricacies.
Gaining access to the guidance module from the US Lockheed Martin Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is a massive leap. The missile’s capabilities are now an open book for Russian designers. The United States started supplying these ballistic missiles to Ukraine in late 2023, and in April, Ukraine received a longer-range version, which has been used in attacks against Russian targets.
Retired Russian Army colonel and military analyst Viktor Litovkin noted that Russian designers would analyze the data to understand the missile’s flight characteristics, guidance mechanisms, and target acquisition processes. This analysis will reveal whether the ATACMS is guided by GPS, satellites, or heavy drones, shedding light on the missile’s technological dependencies.
The analysis will also uncover the missile’s weaknesses and strengths, including the composition of its engine fuel, solid propellants, and the functionality of its rudders. Understanding how the missile determines its orientation and navigates to its target will be a key focus, providing insights into its operational mechanics.
With this newfound information, Russian specialists will offer recommendations on how to intercept the missile more effectively using anti-aircraft missile systems and electronic warfare (EW) tactics. By studying the ATACMS, Russian experts hope to find ways to jam the missile’s communications and disrupt its GPS systems, enhancing their EW capabilities.
The information could be used to inform the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) on which systems to deploy to counteract ATACMS missiles, potentially neutralizing their effectiveness. Understanding the missile’s guidance system might enable Russian forces to identify launch areas and missile locations more quickly, improving their defensive responses.
Recently, Russian specialists publicly demonstrated the ATACMS guidance system to Sputnik, showcasing their newfound understanding of the missile’s technology. The guidance system includes three-ring laser gyroscopes and a GPS module, providing valuable data on the missile’s operational parameters.
Now, Russian experts have the opportunity to study the ATACMS weapon system along its entire flight path, offering a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities. Meanwhile, US military experts are reportedly losing sleep over Russia gaining access to NATO weapons, fearing that this knowledge could lead to the development of effective countermeasures.
Russian military experts believe that gaining access to the ATACMS system sends a clear message: Western military technology is no longer a mystery, and Russia is continually finding ways to counter it. The ability to effectively counter Western military technology will showcase Russia’s technological prowess.
The analysis of ATACMS could bolster the effectiveness of Russian systems like the Iskander-M missile system, providing a competitive edge in missile technology. The retired colonel concluded that this development signals to the entire world, not just the West, that Western weapons are no match for Russian arms, asserting the superiority of Russian military technology over its Western counterparts.
The US should rethink their strategy of underestimating Russian ingenuity. The message is clear: Russia is ready to outsmart the West at its own game, and the irony is almost too perfect.