Russia Seized US ATACMS Guidance System and Will Use It Against

In the Russia-Ukraine war, advanced technology plays a crucial role as modern weapons are equipped with cutting-edge systems. However, this advancement also heightens concerns for those who possess such technology. In Ukraine, while the U.S. and other allies supply high-tech military equipment, there is a significant risk that these assets could fall into enemy hands. This concern extends beyond the potential destruction of equipment; even more troubling is the possibility that these advanced weapons could be seized in good condition.

This concern has recently become a reality when Russia announced the capture of a critical component from the US-supplied Army Tactical Missile System or ATACMS used in Ukraine. News of the capture was first reported on July 1st by Russia's state-owned news agency, RIA Novosti. The news included a video featuring a masked weapons expert examining the alleged ATACMS component.

RIA claims the captured system is a complete guidance and flight correction unit from the US-manufactured weapon, obtained after a successful interception by Russian forces. While the overall condition of the downed missile may be compromised, the intact guidance system represents a potentially valuable intelligence coup for Russia. This makes us wonder; what exactly are the potential benefits of this captured ATACMS component for Russia?