M39 block i missiles to Ukraine by USA
The United States has supplied M39 Block I missiles, which are part of the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), to Ukraine during the ongoing war with Russia. These missiles represent a significant escalation in the type of weaponry being transferred to Ukraine due to their long-range precision strike capabilities. Below is an elaborate discussion of how many M39 Block I missiles the U.S. has provided to Ukraine, their capabilities, delivery timeline, strategic impact, and broader geopolitical implications.
---
1. Introduction to M39 Block I Missile (ATACMS)
The M39 Block I is a version of the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System), developed by Lockheed Martin. These are surface-to-surface ballistic missiles launched from mobile platforms like the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System).
Key Specifications:
Range: Up to 165 kilometers (about 102 miles)
Warhead Type: Cluster munitions (specifically 950 M74 anti-personnel/anti-materiel bomblets)
CEP (accuracy): ~10 meters
Guidance: Inertial navigation system
---
2. Timeline and Numbers Supplied
Early Hesitation and Policy Shift
For over a year, the U.S. refused to send ATACMS due to escalation concerns.
Ukraine repeatedly requested them to strike Russian supply lines, logistics hubs, and airfields deep in occupied territory.
First Secret Delivery – September 2023
The first batch of M39 Block I missiles was secretly sent in late summer 2023 (confirmed publicly by October 2023).
It is reported by Reuters, NYT, and other defense sources that around 20 M39 missiles were supplied in this initial batch.
The delivery was kept classified until Ukraine used them successfully against Russian airfields in Luhansk and Berdyansk in October 2023.
Second Batch – Early 2024
A second batch of ATACMS was authorized in early 2024.
This batch likely consisted of an additional 20–30 M39 Block I missiles, bringing the total to 40–50 missiles.
Total Estimate (as of May 2025)
Estimated total: Between 40 and 60 M39 Block I missiles.
These have not been provided in massive quantities due to the U.S.'s limited stockpile and concerns over tensions with Russia.
---
3. Strategic Impact in Ukraine War
Operational Use
Ukraine used M39 Block I missiles to:
Strike Russian airfields in occupied Crimea, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia.
Destroy Ka-52 attack helicopters, S-400 systems, fuel depots, and command centers.
Hit logistics hubs and ammunition depots beyond the reach of GMLRS rockets.
Military Significance
Extended Ukraine's strike reach to areas previously out of range.
Forced Russia to relocate its supply depots and aircraft deeper into occupied territory.
Compelled Russia to improve air defense readiness in rear areas.
---
4. Political and Diplomatic Dimensions
U.S. Policy Shift
The initial refusal was due to concerns about escalation and direct confrontation with Russia.
The policy shift marked a calculated escalation aimed at giving Ukraine better tools without crossing Russian "red lines" (such as striking inside Russian sovereign territory).
U.S. Stockpile Constraints
The M39 is an older missile, and the U.S. has limited quantities remaining.
The Pentagon opted to send older cluster munition variants first before newer unitary warhead versions (which came later in 2024 and 2025 in smaller numbers).
---
5. Controversy Over Cluster Munitions
Cluster Warhead Criticism
M39 Block I contains cluster submunitions, which are banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
The U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are not signatories to this treaty.
Human rights groups expressed concerns due to unexploded ordnance (UXO) risks, which can endanger civilians long after the war.
---
6. Russia's Reaction
Military Adjustments
Russia moved key logistics centers and aircraft further back.
Deployed more S-400 and Pantsir air defense systems to counter ATACMS attacks.
Political Warnings
Russian officials warned of "consequences" if Ukraine used U.S.-supplied long-range weapons to hit deep inside occupied or sovereign Russian territory.
---
7. Ukrainian Demands for More ATACMS
Ukraine has continued to:
Request longer-range ATACMS variants (like the M57 Unitary, with a 300 km range).
Push the U.S. to release larger quantities for sustained use.
Argue that limited numbers are not enough to cause strategic disruption.
---
8. The M39’s Legacy in the Ukraine War
The M39 Block I missiles have become:
A symbol of U.S. commitment to Ukrainian defense.
A tactical game-changer, even in limited numbers.
A template for future long-range precision strike warfare, using precision munitions to degrade enemy logistics and command structures.
---
9. Summary
Aspect Details
Missile M39 Block I (ATACMS)
Range 165 km
Warhead Cluster munitions (950 M74 bomblets)
Total Supplied 40–60 missiles (estimate)
First Use October 2023, against airfields in Luhansk & Berdyansk
Platform Launched via HIMARS/MLRS
Effect Destroyed aircraft, command posts, supply lines
Geopolitical Impact Elevated U.S. support; raised concerns over escalation
---
10. Conclusion
While the total number of M39 Block I missiles supplied by the U.S. to Ukraine is relatively small (likely 40–60 units), their impact has been strategically significant. They have allowed Ukraine to target Russian assets at greater depth and forced Russia to alter its military posture in occupied regions. The decision to supply these missiles marked a key shift in U.S. military aid strategy and highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, where precision-guided munitions play a decisive role in asymmetric conflict scenarios.
If you'd like, I can also provide a timeline chart of each delivery phase, map of strike locations, or technical comparison with other ATACMS variants like M57 and M48.
Comments