Ukraine has purchased 70 U.S.-made M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles and 12 M270 multiple launch rocket systems from Turkey as part of a major weapons package that also includes tens of thousands of cluster munitions.

The planned transfer was disclosed in a U.S. State Department report published in the Congressional Record on August 6. The documents were submitted to Congress on August 3, beginning a mandatory 15-day review period before U.S. authorization for the re-export can take effect.

Because ATACMS and the M270 systems are American-made, Washington’s approval is required before Turkey can transfer them to Ukraine.

Congress does not need to hold a separate vote approving the transaction. Unless both chambers pass a joint resolution blocking the transfer during the 15-day review period, U.S. consent will automatically take effect.

With the House currently in recess until August 31 and the Senate until September 14, the congressional review window is expected to expire without lawmakers taking action to stop the transfer.

The package includes 70 M39 ATACMS missiles, an early variant of the Army Tactical Missile System capable of carrying a cluster warhead, along with 12 M270 tracked multiple launch rocket systems.

Ukraine is also set to receive 2,524 unguided 227mm M26 rockets equipped with DPICM cluster warheads.

Another 47,000 M509A1 203mm cluster artillery shells are included for use with heavy artillery systems such as the Soviet-designed 2S7 Pion and the U.S.-made M110 self-propelled howitzer.

The weapons transfers are expected to be handled by Turkish, Bulgarian and American defense and logistics companies acting as authorized exporters.

The acquisition would provide Ukraine with a significant new stockpile of long-range missiles and heavy munitions as Kyiv continues its war against Russia and seeks to replenish weapons expended during years of fighting.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)