After obtaining authorization from the Biden administration to employ long-range weaponry against military targets in Russia, Ukraine stepped up its attacks in the Kursk region using U.S.-made ATACMS tactical-operational missiles. The recent attacks targeted the S-400 air defense system, crucial for the protection of the area against air raids.
Fighter Bomber reported that 7 of 8 ATACMS were shot down over Kursk, and the airbase was empty with no targets
The Russian MOD reported that all 8 ATACMS Missiles were shot down
In reality, at least 5 ATACMS successfully struck Kursk Air Base, likely destroying an S-400 System pic.twitter.com/INkNvdYQhU
— Ukraine Battle Map (@ukraine_map) November 25, 2024
In a rare development, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation partially confirmed the success of the Ukrainian strikes. According to official Kremlin data, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) carried out two strikes in the last three days against strategic targets in Kursk using long-range weaponry.
Confirmed attacks
- November 23: Ukraine fired five ATACMS missiles at an S-400 anti-aircraft battalion position near Lotarevka, 37 kilometers northwest of Kursk. Russian air defenses, including Pantsir units, intercepted three of the missiles, but two hit their targets. The attack damaged a radar and, according to Ukrainian sources, two launchers of the S-400 system were also likely destroyed. The Russian Defense Ministry reported casualties among personnel in the area.
- November 25: Eight ATACMS missiles were launched against the Kursk-Vostochny airfield, located near Khalino. According to the Russian report, seven of the missiles were shot down by S-400 and Pantsir systems, but one managed to hit the airfield, slightly injuring two servicemen and causing minor damage to infrastructure.
First confirmed successful ATACMS strike on Russian soil. S-400 air defence system radar and two launchers were destroyed in the Kursk region of Russia on 23.11.2024:
«On November 23, 2024, a missile strike was carried out on the S-400 air defense system in the village of… pic.twitter.com/2aD1ZWNig5
— Special Kherson Cat 🐈🇺🇦 (@bayraktar_1love) November 25, 2024
First use of ATACMS and Russian retaliation
Ukraine first used the ATACMS missiles on November 19, just two days after receiving authorization from Washington. In that initial strike, the ATACMS hit a munitions depot near Karachev, in the Bryansk region, about 70 kilometers from the border. This attack marked a significant shift in Ukraine’s offensive capabilities, extending its reach against high-value Russian targets.
See also: For the first time in history: Russia uses intermediate-range ballistic missiles against Ukraine
In response, Russia launched intermediate-range ballistic missiles with conventional warheads against Ukrainian facilities in the Dnipro region for the first time in a military conflict. In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense has announced that it is preparing retaliatory measures for the recent attacks in Kursk.
