UKRAINE ARMS: Kyiv Purchases 70 ATACMS Missiles And 12 M270 Launchers From Turkey

Ukraine is acquiring 70 U.S.-made M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles and 12 M270 multiple launch rocket systems from Turkey, along with tens of thousands of cluster munitions, according to a U.S. State Department report published in the Congressional Record on August 6.

The State Department submitted the disclosure to Congress on August 3, initiating a mandatory 15-day review period before U.S. Authorization for the re-export can be granted. Since both ATACMS and M270 systems are American-made, Washington approval is required for Turkey to transfer them to Ukraine. Congressional action is not automatic; the transfer will proceed unless both chambers pass a joint resolution blocking it during the review window.

With the House in recess until August 31 and the Senate until September 14, the review period is expected to expire without congressional intervention.

The weapons package comprises 70 M39 ATACMS missiles, an early variant of the Army Tactical Missile System equipped with cluster warhead capability, and 12 M270 tracked multiple launch rocket systems. Ukraine will also receive 2,524 unguided 227mm M26 rockets with DPICM cluster warheads and 47,000 M509A1 203mm cluster artillery shells for use with heavy artillery systems including the 2S7 Pion and M110 self-propelled howitzer.

Turkish, Bulgarian and American defense and logistics companies will serve as authorized exporters for the transfer. The acquisition is intended to provide Ukraine with additional long-range missile and heavy munitions capacity as it continues its conflict with Russia and replaces expended weapons.