Ukraine wants to buy ATACMS missiles and other weapons from Turkey
Ukraine intends to purchase ATACMS missiles and other types of weapons from Turkey.
Ukraine is purchasing 70 US-made M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles, 12 M270 MLRS missile systems and thousands of artillery rounds from Turkey. This was reported by the Ukrainian portal "Militarnyi" with reference to the official statement of the US State Department submitted to Congress.
According to the agreement, the following weapons are planned to be delivered to Ukraine:
* 70 M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles;
* 12 M270 MLRS missile systems;
* 2,524 M26 227-millimeter unguided rockets;
* 47,000 M509A1 203-millimeter cluster artillery rounds.
These shells are used, in particular, in the 2S7 "Pion" and M110 self-propelled artillery installations.
**The US must allow the delivery of weapons to Ukraine**
Turkey can deliver weapons manufactured in the US to a third country only with the formal consent of Washington.
The US State Department has expressed its readiness to approve such a re-export. According to the legislation, the US Congress has 15 days to consider the relevant notification from the State Department.
If during this period both houses of Congress do not adopt a joint resolution banning the delivery, the US government's consent will automatically enter into force.
Currently, the House of Representatives is in recess until August 31, and the Senate until September 14.
**Turkey wants to reduce its stockpiles of obsolete weapons**
According to reports, Turkey wants to focus on reducing its stockpiles of obsolete weapons and modernizing and continuing to use existing systems.
For Ukraine, the weapons and ammunition being purchased will serve to strengthen its defense capabilities in a war with Russia.
Defense and logistics companies from Turkey, Bulgaria and the United States are expected to participate in the supply of weapons.
**What ATACMS missiles will Ukraine receive?**
The M39 ATACMS missile that Ukraine is purchasing is one of the first modifications of this missile family. Its flight range reaches 165 kilometers.
The missile has an autonomous inertial guidance system that cannot be corrected by GPS.
The M39 missile has a cluster warhead weighing 560 kilograms and contains 950 M74 fragmentation submunitions. They are designed to destroy manpower, unarmored vehicles, air defense systems and other ground targets.
According to Reuters sources, during the US war with Iran, Washington used up almost all of its stock of long-range surface-to-surface missiles, including ATACMS missiles.
According to the agency, this situation caused discontent among US President Donald Trump. He demanded an explanation from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth why the stock of missiles had decreased to such an extent.
Earlier, Finland refused to supply Ukraine with Patriot missiles. The Defense Minister stated that the country had provided Ukraine with as much assistance as possible, but could not jeopardize its own air defense and combat readiness.