This isn’t the ATACMS missile, but it seems like a pretty good compromise. The GLSDB munition that the US is apparently going to provide to Ukraine is quite accurate and can be deployed from a HIMARS or M270 launcher.
If it works as well as the video below shows, Russia is screwed.
GLSDB’s 150-kilometer range is approximately double the range of HIMARS.
That doesn’t bring the Kerch Bridge or the naval base at Sevastopol within range, but the 150 kilometers does bring all of occupied Ukraine, with the exception of southern Crimea, and parts of Russia, including Belgorod, within range.
According to Politico, ATACMS and Abrams tanks will not be included in the package. GLSDB costs about $40k each, which is quite a bit cheaper than ATACMS, which are about a million each.
The package will likely include a number of Strykers, an eight-wheeled armored fighting vehicle built by General Dynamics Land Systems, as well as ground-launched Small Diameter Bombs, which have a range of roughly 100 miles, two of the people said. POLITICO first reported last week that the Pentagon was considering sending Strykers in the upcoming tranche of aid. Reuters first reported that Boeing-made Small Diameter Bombs were under discussion.
This package will not include the long-range Army Tactical Missile System that can reach Moscow, according to two of the people. The Biden administration has balked at sending long-range munitions, despite Kyiv’s pleas, for fear of provoking Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The decision to not provide Abrams main battle tanks is “due to the logistical and maintenance challenges of the tanks, and not over concern that their transfer could escalate the conflict,” according to the article.