Media: Ukraine’s HIMARS strikes growing less accurate amid US intel sharing halt

The HIMARS multiple rocket launchers (MLRS) in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are losing their effectiveness without US intelligence, military observer David Axe wrote in his article for Forbes.

He claims that if Washington does not change its anti-Ukrainian stance and Ukrainian forces do not get other intelligence on long-range targets, HIMARS will not be able to shoot as far or as accurately, Caliber.Az reports.

Axe also warned that the Ukrainian Armed Forces might soon run out of missiles for the HIMARS units themselves, as most of them were supplied by the US side.

The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) has played a pivotal role in Ukraine's defence against Russian forces since its deployment in 2022. This U.S.-supplied system has enabled Ukrainian forces to conduct precision strikes on high-value targets while remaining beyond the reach of conventional Russian artillery.

Let’s recall that US President Donald Trump's administration announced a "temporary pause" on military aid to Ukraine, including critical systems like HIMARS. Additionally, the U.S. has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which could impair the effective use of these systems.

With uncertainties surrounding U.S. support, Europe is exploring alternatives to replace U.S. weapons like HIMARS. However, European arsenals currently lack direct replacements that match the capabilities of HIMARS, posing challenges to Ukraine's defence strategy.

Trump also ordered a suspension of sharing of intelligence on Russian military locations with Ukraine in an attempt to push Volodymyr Zelenskyy for US-proposed peace with Moscow. This decision follows a recent public disagreement between the two leaders during a meeting at the White House.

By Khagan Isayev