The Russian military possesses new software capable of shooting down HIMARS multiple rocket launcher systems.
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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| Russia's S-300 Favorit surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Photo: Sputnik |
According to RIA Novosti, an unnamed Russian military commander, currently serving in the Zaporozhye region, revealed this information on December 2nd. According to this officer, Ukrainian forces initially used Soviet-era weapons, but have now switched to weapons supplied by NATO members, including HIMARS missiles. However, he stated that the Russian military can now easily repel attacks with these weapons thanks to "updated programming."
"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, including four that were shot down last month.
Following Russia's military operation in Ukraine, the US has provided Ukraine with a large quantity of weapons worth approximately $19 billion. According to the US Department of Defense, as of November 23, Washington had committed to supporting Kyiv with 38 HIMARS and related equipment.
On December 1st, the Pentagon awarded a $431 million contract to Lockheed Martin to manufacture HIMARS missile launchers to “meet the urgent support needs” of the U.S. military and Washington’s foreign partners. The contract is estimated to be completed by the end of 2025.
Amidst Russian forces' offensive in eastern Ukraine and increased widespread missile attacks on its energy infrastructure, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called on NATO to provide swift assistance. Kuleba stated, “NATO needs to be with us not only for as long as possible, but also provide us with everything we need as quickly as possible.”
Foreign Minister Kuleba also stated that 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 supplying weapons to Ukraine would only prolong the conflict.
