Ukraine ATACMS Attack on Kalino Air Force Base Explained
Ukraine ATACMS attack severely impacted Russia’s Kalino Air Force Base in the Kursk region on the 25th (local time), according to foreign media reports. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a precision strike using U.S.-supplied ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), marking a significant escalation in long-range missile use near the Russian border.
Foreign media reported that the Ukrainian military attacked the Kalino Air Force Base in the Kursk region of Russia on the 25th (local time) with ATACMS (US Army Tactical Missile System), which was supported by the US.
According to military media outlet ‘The War Zone’, the Ukrainian military mobilized Atae Kims and attacked the Kalino Air Force Base, about 60 miles (about 96 km) from the Ukrainian border. Russian independent media ASTRA reported that 7 ATAIKIMS missiles and 12 drones were used during the attack, and that two soldiers were injured in the attack.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces Chief of Staff announced that airstrikes were conducted on several targets in Kursk that day, but did not provide specific details. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have shot down seven drones over Kursk, but did not disclose the specific location of the shooting down.
Videos and photos released on social media showed a small bomb launched from ATA Kims hitting an air force base. Other videos showed explosions and air raid sirens heard near the strike site. The Russian military information Telegram channel ‘Military Info’ said, “At night, ATAKIMS cluster missiles attacked the Kalino Air Force Base in the Kursk region,” and added, “The explosion of an M74 small bomb inside the air force base was confirmed in a video released by Ukraine. “It will happen,” he said.
The channel said, “It shows that at least two aircraft have reached (the air force base),” and “Due to concerns about missile attacks, military aircraft are not actually being used at the air base in the border area, and have been moved and deployed deeper into the mainland.” Astra also reported, “Many of the missiles were shot down, but at least one hit the Kalino Air Force Base.”
Satellite Images Following Ukraine ATACMS Attack
As a result of analysis of satellite images obtained by The War Zone, no serious damage to the Carlino base was confirmed. The media reported that it is difficult to determine the exact extent of damage because the air defense system between the runway and taxiway and major areas of the base are obscured. This air force base was the target of a Ukrainian drone attack in December 2022, and it is known that this facility has not been used as a base for major air force operations for a considerable period of time. However, the media said, “According to the satellite images we obtained, it is clear that Russia is using this facility to store ammunition.”
Russian Response to Ukraine ATACMS Attack
The Russian Ministry of Defense issued an official statement on the 26th and warned of retaliation, saying that the Ukrainian military had attacked the Russian mainland twice with Atae Kims. The Russian Ministry of Defense said on Telegram that day, “Ukraine launched ATKIMS missiles targeting military facilities and airfields in Kursk, Russia’s western border, on the 23rd and 25th, respectively,” adding, “Military facilities were damaged and casualties occurred.” . “The Russian Ministry of Defense is currently controlling the situation and retaliatory measures are being prepared,” he said.
On the 17th, the United States lifted restrictions on attacks on the Russian mainland by American long-range strike weapons to mark the 1,000th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Two days later, on the 19th, Ukraine mobilized Atae Kims and attacked an ammunition storage facility in the Bryansk region of Russia.
Strategic Impact of the Ukraine ATACMS Attack
Atae Kims can hit targets up to 305km away. ATAKIMS provided to Ukraine is a version of cluster bombs, in which a dropped mother bomb scatters hundreds of baby bombs on the ground, causing widespread and indiscriminate attacks. According to U.S. officials, the number of baby bullets that go into A-TAE Kims mother shells is about 950.
