Russian attacks have not stopped in Ukraine, including in the Donbas region. To counter this, Ukraine asked for more assistance with this particular weapon.
The weapons in question are modern multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). This kind of weapon has a long range, so it is considered effective in resisting Russian attacks.
As quoted by us from Newsweek, Ukraine has indeed operated artillery systems, including the US-assisted M7777. But according to the Ukrainian military, a better system is needed.
The US itself has not approved MLRS assistance. The way it works, the MLRS rocket launcher is installed in the vehicle so that one of the advantages is that it is easier to move around.
The US is noted to have two variants of this MLRS. The first was the M270, which was first produced in 1983. The rockets it fired could hit targets between 32 and 40 kilometers away. Even more sophisticated variants can reach about 160 kilometers.
The second variant is the M142 HIMARS. Developed in the 1990s, standard rockets of this system can fire up to 300 kilometers. There are special models that are effective up to 498 kilometers.
"Ukraine is ready to strike back. To do this, we need the MLRS from NATO. Immediately," the request from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reads.
"Russia is currently using artillery strongly. To fight it, to save the lives of our soldiers and civilians, we need the MLRS," said Oleksandr Merezkho of the Ukrainian parliament.
The MLRS can fire Russian artillery more effectively. Not only that, its long range can also interfere with Russian logistics so that it can slow down their movement.