| Name / Designation | ATACMS AGM-140/148 |
| Type / Role | Tactical Ballistic Missile, Precision Strike |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Service Entry / Year Introduced | 1991 |
| Operational Status | Active |
| Range | 70–300 km |
| Speed | Supersonic |
| Ceiling / Altitude Limit | N/A |
| Accuracy (CEP) | 10–50 meters |
| Warhead Type | High-Explosive (HE), Cluster, Unitary |
| Guidance System | GPS / Inertial Navigation System (INS) |
| Targeting Mode | Fire-and-Forget |
| Launch Platform Compatibility | M270 MLRS, M142 HIMARS |
| Seeker Type | N/A |
| Length | 4.2 m |
| Diameter | 0.61 m |
| Wingspan | 0.63 m |
| Launch Weight | 1,670 kg |
| Propulsion | Solid-fuel Rocket |
| Warhead Weight | 230–500 kg |
| Explosive Type | High-Explosive, Cluster, Unitary |
| Detonation Mechanism | Impact, Delay, Proximity |
| Payload Options | Conventional, Penetration Bomb |
| Operational Range Type | Medium / Long |
| Deployment Platform | Ground Launch (MLRS, HIMARS) |
| Target Types | Vehicles, Fortifications, Air Defenses |
| Combat Proven | Yes |
| Users / Operators | USA, South Korea, Poland, Saudi Arabia |
The ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) represents one of the United States’ premier long-range precision strike weapons. Developed to extend the reach of conventional artillery and provide battlefield commanders with rapid, high-impact firepower, ATACMS has become a critical asset in modern U.S. and allied military operations.
Produced by Lockheed Martin in the United States, ATACMS was first introduced in 1991 and remains in active service. It is designed for deployment from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), allowing U.S. forces and allies to strike deep behind enemy lines with remarkable accuracy.
ATACMS combines advanced GPS and inertial navigation (INS) guidance for precision targeting, achieving circular error probable (CEP) as low as 10 meters depending on variant. With a range of up to 300 km and supersonic speeds, it is capable of engaging high-value targets, including command centers, air defenses, missile batteries, and logistical hubs.
ATACMS can carry various warhead configurations, including high-explosive, cluster, and unitary payloads, designed to neutralize diverse threats. Its solid-fuel rocket propulsion ensures rapid launch readiness, while fire-and-forget targeting simplifies operational deployment. The missile has seen combat in multiple U.S.-led operations, proving its reliability and strategic value.
ATACMS is a high-value tactical asset, with per-unit costs typically ranging between $1.5 million to $2 million, depending on variant and support package. Procurement generally includes system integration, training, and logistics support for launch platforms, making it a strategic investment for U.S. and allied forces seeking precision long-range strike capability.
The ATACMS missile is special due to its long-range precision strike capability, supersonic speed, and compatibility with highly mobile launch platforms like MLRS and HIMARS. It allows commanders to engage high-value targets deep behind enemy lines with minimal exposure, making it a critical asset for U.S. and allied forces.
ATACMS missiles are difficult to intercept because of their high speed (supersonic) and ballistic trajectory, combined with GPS/INS guidance for precision. Their rapid launch and small radar cross-section, along with unpredictable flight paths for certain variants, reduce the reaction time for enemy air defense systems.
While ATACMS is highly capable, some of the most advanced missiles globally include hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and long-range cruise missiles, such as the U.S. LRHW, Russia’s Avangard, and China’s DF-ZF. These combine extreme speed, maneuverability, and advanced guidance for modern strategic strike missions.
ATACMS has a range that varies by variant, typically 70 km to 300 km, enabling it to strike targets deep behind enemy lines. This makes it a strategic weapon for both tactical and operational-level missions.
The per-unit cost of an ATACMS missile ranges approximately $1.5 million to $2 million, depending on the variant and additional system support such as training, integration, and logistics. This cost reflects its advanced guidance, warhead options, and operational capabilities.
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