US Clears Path for 12 M270s, 70 ATACMS for Ukraine

The US is prepared to authorize Turkey to transfer 12 M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) launchers and 70 M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles to Ukraine, according to a US State Department notification published in the Congressional Record on Thursday, Aug. 6. The proposed transfer also includes 2,524 M26 rockets with DPICM cluster warheads and 47,000 M509A1 203mm cluster artillery rounds, according to the document.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. The weapons would be transferred to Ukraine through Turkish, Bulgarian, and US private companies after the congressional notification period is complete. What is included in the package? The proposed transfer includes: 12 M270 MLRS launchers; 70 M39 ATACMS missiles; 2,524 M26 unguided rockets equipped with DPICM cluster warheads; 47,000 M509A1 203mm DPICM artillery rounds. The US State Department said Ukraine is seeking the weapons to strengthen its offensive and defensive fire-support capabilities as it resists Russia’s invasion. It noted that Ukraine already operates weapons of the same or similar types. According to the US notification, Turkey wants to reduce its inventory of older defense equipment and redirect resources toward modernization and maintenance of its existing systems. The proposed transfer would be carried out through Turkish companies MKE, ASFAT, and ARCA Savunma, Bulgaria’s VTIC International, and US companies Pansophico and Patriot Defense Group. Why does the M270 and ATACMS matter? The M270 is a tracked multiple rocket launcher that can fire both 227mm rockets and ATACMS ballistic missiles. Ukraine already operates M270 systems supplied by European allies, making the Turkish launchers compatible with capabilities already in Ukrainian service. Other Topics of Interest The Entrepreneurial Triangle: How Ukraine, Romania and Moldova Will Co-Build the Recovery Business now has the chance to convert shared geography into shared prosperity. The M39 ATACMS is an earlier variant of the US Army Tactical Missile System. The missiles included in the proposed Turkish transfer are designed to provide Ukraine with additional long-range strike capability. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.