Russian military has new software that can shoot down HIMARS rocket artillery system
Russian air defense systems will now have no trouble detecting and destroying missiles launched from the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) thanks to new software.
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| Russian S-300 Favorit air defense missile system (SAM). Photo: Sputnik |
According to RIA Novosti, an unnamed Russian military commander who is on duty in the Zaporozhye region revealed the information on December 2. According to this officer, the Ukrainian forces initially used Soviet-era weapons, but have now switched to weapons provided by NATO members, including HIMARS missiles. However, he said that the Russian military can now easily repel attacks with these weapons thanks to “updated programs.”
“Now Russia will have no problem detecting, tracking and destroying missiles launched from the HIMARS system,” the unnamed commander said, adding that his unit had shot down about 10 HIMARS missiles, four of which were shot down last month.
Following Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, the United States has provided Ukraine with a large amount of weapons worth about $19 billion. As of November 23, Washington has committed to providing Kiev with 38 HIMARS and related equipment, according to the US Department of Defense.
On December 1, the Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin a $431 million contract to produce HIMARS launchers to “meet critical support needs” for the U.S. military and its foreign partners. The contract is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
As Russian forces continue their offensive in the east and intensify their missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called on NATO to provide immediate aid to the country. “NATO needs to be with us not only for as long as possible, but also to provide us with everything we need as quickly as possible,” Kuleba said.
Foreign Minister Kuleba also said Ukraine needs US-made Patriot missile defense systems to protect its civilian infrastructure amid Russia's massive missile attacks on targets as winter approaches.
Meanwhile, Russian officials have repeatedly warned that “pumping” weapons into Ukraine will only prolong the conflict.