Russian forces claim to have destroyed multiple US-made HIMARS rocket launchers in Ukraine, potentially dealing a significant blow to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
At a Glance
- Russian military reports destroying three US-made HIMARS rocket launchers in Ukraine
- Russian forces claim to have inflicted heavy casualties on Ukrainian troops across multiple battlegroups
- Ukraine has allegedly captured hundreds of square miles of Russian territory
- The destruction of HIMARS systems could impact Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian targets
- Russia reports using hypersonic missiles to destroy HIMARS launchers near the Kursk border
Russian Forces Report Significant Strikes Against Ukrainian Assets
The Russian military has announced a series of successful operations against Ukrainian forces, with a particular focus on the destruction of US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). These advanced rocket launchers have been a crucial component of Ukraine’s military strategy, and their loss could potentially shift the balance of power in the ongoing conflict.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, their forces have eliminated three HIMARS launchers, along with associated personnel and equipment. This claim, if verified, would represent a significant setback for Ukrainian military capabilities, as HIMARS systems have been praised for their accuracy and mobility on the battlefield.
Russian Armed Forces destroyed two American-made M142 HIMARS MLRS systems belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These systems, which had been targeting Kursk Oblast, were destroyed near the settlement of Myropillia in the Sumy region.
The footage shows explosions, munitions… pic.twitter.com/RdYMsgI2y1
— War Watch (@WarWatchs) August 16, 2024
Widespread Operations and Casualties Reported
Russian military sources report extensive operations across multiple battlegroups, resulting in substantial Ukrainian losses. The Battlegroup South allegedly inflicted approximately 510 casualties on Ukrainian forces while improving its tactical position. In the Kharkov area, Battlegroup North claims to have caused roughly 300 Ukrainian troop losses across seven brigades.
“Battlegroup North units inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of the Ukrainian army’s 3rd assault, 42nd mechanized, 57th motorized infantry, 71st infantry, 36th marine infantry, 13th National Guard and 127th territorial defense brigades in areas near the settlements of Ternovaya, Glubokoye, Veterinarnoye, Tikhoye, Vesyoloye, Neskuchnoye, Pitomnik, Volchansk and Liptsy in the Kharkov Region,” the ministry said.
The Russian military also reports destroying various Ukrainian military assets, including US-made Bradley combat vehicles, tanks, artillery guns, and ammunition depots. These claims, if accurate, would indicate a significant degradation of Ukraine’s military capabilities across multiple fronts.
Hypersonic Missiles and HIMARS Destruction
In a notable development, Russian forces claim to have used hypersonic missiles to destroy two HIMARS launchers in Ukraine’s Sumy region. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that these strikes occurred in the settlement of Miropillia, targeting HIMARS units that had allegedly fired on Russian forces.
“Two US-made HIMARS MLRS launchers, from which the shelling of the Kursk region was carried out, were destroyed in the area of the settlement of Miropillia, Sumy region,” said the Russia Defense Ministry.
The use of hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound, demonstrates Russia’s willingness to employ advanced weaponry in its efforts to neutralize Western-supplied military equipment. These missiles are particularly challenging to intercept with traditional air defense systems, potentially giving Russia a significant advantage in targeting high-value assets like HIMARS.
Implications for Ukraine’s Defense and Western Support
The reported destruction of HIMARS launchers, if confirmed, could have serious implications for Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. These systems have been crucial in allowing Ukrainian forces to strike Russian targets with precision at long range, helping to offset Russia’s numerical advantages in artillery and manpower.
“During the last 24-hour period, the Russian Armed Forces delivered a massive strike by precision weapons against US-made HIMARS multiple rocket launchers prepared for delivering strikes on the territory of Crimea, and also against a Ukrainian military command’s meeting place. The goals of the strike were achieved. The strike destroyed four US-made HIMARS rocket launchers and up to 35 foreign specialists servicing these systems,” the ministry said in a statement.
As the conflict continues, the effectiveness of Western-supplied military equipment will likely remain a critical factor in Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression. The loss of HIMARS systems may prompt calls for increased military aid from Ukraine’s Western allies to replenish these vital assets and maintain Ukraine’s defensive posture against Russian forces.
