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MGM-140 ATACMS

Lockheed Martin · Ballistic · USA · Cold War (1970–1991)

MGM-140 ATACMS — Ballistic
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The MGM-140 ATACMS (Army TACMS) is an American surface-to-surface ballistic missile — Lockheed Martin's principal US Army long-range artillery weapon + the predecessor to the PrSM. Lockheed Martin (originally LTV Corporation) developed the ATACMS in 1986-1990; service entry 1991 Operation Desert Storm. About 4,000 ATACMS have been built across all variants. The missile is used by US Army + Bahrain + Greece + Poland + Romania + South Korea + Turkey + UAE + Ukraine (donated 2024-present).

The MGM-140A (Block I, original variant) used 1 × solid-fuel rocket motor. Maximum range 165 km. Length 4 m, weight 1,672 kg. Warhead: 950 × M74 antipersonnel / antimateriel submunitions (banned by post-2008 cluster-munitions convention; current production uses unitary warhead). Guidance: GPS + INS. Launch platform: M270 MLRS (2 ATACMS per launcher) + M142 HIMARS (1 ATACMS per launcher). Later Block IA + Block II variants extended range to 300 km (Block IA, unitary warhead) + replaced submunitions with single-warhead conventional explosive.

ATACMS combat began in 1991 Operation Desert Storm (32 fired against Iraqi targets, including Scud TELs). Subsequent combat use includes Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003 (~450 fired), Operation Inherent Resolve 2014-onwards (~300 fired against ISIS), + the 2022-present Ukraine war — the US donated 100+ ATACMS to Ukraine starting October 2023, used against Crimea + occupied-territory Russian airbases, helicopter bases, + air-defence sites. ATACMS strikes on Berdyansk + Luhansk airbases October 2023 destroyed 14 Russian helicopters. The ATACMS is being progressively replaced by the longer-range PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) from 2023 onwards.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The MGM-140 ATACMS is an American long-range rocket used by the Army. It was made by a company called Lockheed Martin. The Army first used it in 1991 during a war called Operation Desert Storm.

The ATACMS is about 4 meters long and heavier than a compact car. It uses a solid-fuel rocket motor to fly through the air. A computer system with GPS guides it to its target very accurately.

Two big vehicles can launch this rocket. One is called the MLRS, which can carry two ATACMS at once. The other is called HIMARS, which carries one at a time. Both vehicles can fire the rocket and then quickly drive away.

The rocket can hit targets up to 300 kilometers away. That is farther than the distance between many large cities. About 4,000 of these rockets have been built across all different versions.

Many countries use the ATACMS, including South Korea, Poland, and Ukraine. A newer rocket called the PrSM has been made to replace it. But the ATACMS is still an important weapon used by soldiers today.

Fun Facts

  • The ATACMS rocket is about 4 meters long — longer than a small car.
  • It weighs over 1,600 kilograms, heavier than a compact car.
  • The rocket can hit targets up to 300 kilometers away.
  • A computer and GPS guide the ATACMS to its target with great accuracy.
  • The first time it was used in battle was in 1991, and 32 rockets were fired.
  • About 4,000 ATACMS rockets have been built in total.
  • Nine different countries around the world use the ATACMS today.
  • A newer rocket called PrSM is being made to take the place of the ATACMS.

Kids’ Questions

What does ATACMS stand for?

ATACMS stands for Army Tactical Missile System. It is a long-range rocket used by the American Army. Soldiers use it to hit targets that are very far away.

How is the ATACMS launched?

The ATACMS is fired from two special vehicles. One is called the MLRS and can carry two rockets at once. The other is called HIMARS and carries just one rocket at a time.

Has the ATACMS ever been used in a real battle?

Yes! It was first used in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. Soldiers fired 32 of these rockets at targets in Iraq. It has been used in several other conflicts since then too.

Will the ATACMS keep being used in the future?

A newer rocket called the PrSM is being built to replace the ATACMS. But many countries still use the ATACMS today. It will likely stay in service for some time before it is fully replaced.

Variants

Block I (1991)
Original 165 km + submunitions.
Block IA (1998)
300 km + unitary warhead.
Block II (2004)
BAT submunitions (cancelled).

Notable Operators

US Army (1991-present)
Principal operator. Multiple combat campaigns.
Ukraine (2023-present)
100+ donated. Crimea + occupied-territory strikes.
8 export armies
Bahrain, Greece, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Turkey, UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Ukraine use ATACMS in 2023-2024?

US ATACMS deliveries to Ukraine began October 2023 (after months of US debate over escalation risk). The first combat use on 17 October 2023 struck Russian airbases at Berdyansk + Luhansk, destroying 14 Russian helicopters (Ka-52 + Mi-8 + Mi-24) on the ground. Subsequent ATACMS strikes targeted Crimea Russian air-defence sites (Dzhankoi airfield, May 2024), occupied-territory ammunition depots, + headquarters facilities. Ukrainian forces fire ATACMS from M142 HIMARS launchers — each HIMARS carries 1 ATACMS round + can be redeployed within 5 minutes of firing, complicating Russian counterbattery + air-defence response.

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See Also