The Economist: US halts operation of HIMARS installations in Ukraine

The United States has interrupted a key conduit for HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in Ukraine, according to The Economist. 

"America cut a key intel link for alerts at 2 pm Kyiv. Before that: targeting data for HIMARS. Ukraine also isn’t receiving real-time information for long-range strikes," Olivier Carroll, The Economist's correspondent in Ukraine, wrote on X.

Moreover, CNN quoted sources in the Ukrainian government as saying that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may run out of missiles for the US-made Patriot surface-to-air missile systems in a few weeks.

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 President Trump's administration has 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.

By Khagan Isayev