On Monday, Ukraine carried out its first-ever attack on a Russian airfield using the U.S.-donated Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). The target was the Khalino airfield, located just 60 miles from the Russian border. The missile strike marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict, as Ukraine has struggled to hold onto the land it captured during its August invasion.
The Attack
The ATACMS missiles, which are short-range ballistic missiles, hit the Khalino airfield in the Kursk region of Russia. Although satellite images didn’t show massive destruction, they revealed that key parts of the base were hidden from view, making it hard to assess the full extent of the damage. However, social media videos and images showed explosions at the airfield, with submunitions from the ATACMS missile causing chaos.
One independent news outlet, ASTRA, reported that while several missiles were shot down, at least one successfully hit the airfield. The attack injured two Russian soldiers and caused damage to a nearby house. The videos from the attack, showing dramatic explosions and air raid sirens, have sparked intense reactions.
Ukraine’s Strategy
The Khalino airfield had been used less frequently for major air operations, but the satellite images suggest that Russia is building reinforced concrete shelters there, possibly preparing for more intense use in the future. Despite the missile attacks, it’s clear that Russian forces are trying to safeguard their airfields and aviation assets.
Ukraine had long been asking for the ATACMS to be used against Russian targets like these airfields. The U.S. gave approval for Ukraine to use the missiles on November 17, and it only took two days before the first strike hit. The ATACMS missiles can strike targets up to 190 miles away, making them a powerful tool for Ukraine as it seeks to disrupt Russian operations from afar.
Russia’s Response
After the attack, Russia quickly claimed that seven of the missiles were shot down, but evidence from social media suggests that at least two of them hit their mark. Russian sources also reported that drones were used in the attack, which adds to the complexity of the situation.
Interestingly, Ukrainian officials have said they targeted a range of important facilities in the Kursk, Bryansk, and Kaluga regions of Russia on Monday. However, they did not specify which targets were hit by the ATACMS missiles.
The Bigger Picture
This missile strike could have broader implications. As Russian aircraft were moved deeper into Russia to avoid ATACMS range, Ukraine’s ability to strike with precision has become a significant advantage. Satellite images of the Khalino airfield show ongoing construction of shelters, indicating that Russia plans to continue using the base for military purposes, despite the attacks.
In fact, the Khalino airfield has been attacked multiple times before. It was first hit by drones in December 2022, and it saw the largest attack on airfields in August 2023, when Ukraine launched a major strike. Despite these repeated assaults, Russia continues to reinforce and use the base, making it a prime target for Ukraine’s missile strikes.
What’s Next?
As Ukraine continues to use the ATACMS missiles, the pressure on Russia’s airfields and military operations is mounting. The attack on Khalino is just one example of how Ukraine is expanding its offensive, using advanced weapons to strike at critical Russian infrastructure.
With ongoing missile and drone strikes, the balance of power on the frontlines could shift dramatically. The question now is whether Russia will be able to protect its key assets from these long-range attacks, or if Ukraine’s growing missile capabilities will turn the tide in its favor. The war is far from over, but these missile strikes could be a game-changer in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
