The recent use of US-supplied ATACMS missiles by Ukraine marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict with Russia. According to open-source intelligence, unofficial Russian reports, and online videos, these missiles struck the Russian Khalino airfield, located within internationally recognized Russian territory. This action follows an apparent escalation by Russia, which reportedly fired IRBM missiles into Ukraine for the first time.
Ukraine's decision to target an airbase inside Russia with HIMARS-launched ATACMS missiles carrying cluster munition warheads represents a new phase in their military strategy. Previously, Ukraine had used ATACMS against Russian airbases in occupied territories such as Crimea. The outcomes of this latest strike are not yet fully understood, but past attacks on bases housing Russian Ka-52 helicopters resulted in significant losses for Russia.
Reports from a Telegram channel affiliated with the Russian Air Force claim that seven out of eight ATACMS were intercepted over Kursk and that the base was empty at the time. However, it is believed that at least five missiles reached Kursk Air Base. There is uncertainty regarding whether fighter jets were present during the attack. As a result of these challenges in defending its bases, Russia may have repositioned its aircraft further from the front lines to avoid additional losses.