Telegraph: It Takes Only Ten ATACMS Missiles To 'Cover' Entire Front Line

Weapons in the hands of the AFU will create an unimaginable load on the Russian air defence.

US ATACMS missiles are not a panacea, but they will put a strain on Russian air defences, the Telegraph says.

The article says that unlike a conventional cruise missile, ATACMS can travel three times as fast as the sound speed, making them more difficult for air defence systems to intercept. Their speed is the missile's main strength.

Once it is launched, Russia's network of radar and missile detection systems will be triggered almost instantly.

‘Once the missile is launched, it takes time to accurately determine its trajectory and where it falls. Basically, all you can do is warn everyone to get down,’ said Justin Crump, head of strategic intelligence company Sibylline.

This would put a significant strain on Russian air defence units.

The article said Ukraine's forces would only need ten ATACMS missiles to cover the entire front line and about 250 kilometres behind it.