Ukraine may receive not only ATACMS from Turkey, but also Khan ballistic missiles
Kyiv • UNN
Ukraine is purchasing 70 ATACMS missiles and other weapons from Turkey. The most likely candidate for transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine is said to be the export version of the Bora missile, Khan, with a range of up to 280 km.
Ukraine is purchasing 70 American ATACMS ballistic missiles from Turkey, while among Turkish missiles, Khan — the export version of the Bora ballistic missile — could be a potential candidate for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Defense Express reports this, UNN writes.
Details
It recently became known that Ukraine is purchasing from Turkey 12 M270 MLRS multiple rocket launchers, 2,524 M26 unguided rockets, 47,000 M509A1 cluster artillery munitions, and 70 M39 ATACMS missiles.
Turkey also produces its own ballistic missiles. In particular, this concerns the Tayfun and J-600T Yıldırım families. Depending on the modification, Tayfun may have a range of 560 to 1,500 km; however, according to Defense Express, Turkey is likely developing these missiles primarily for its own needs, and their export may be restricted by international regulations.
The J-600T Yıldırım has modifications with a stated range of 150 to 2,000 km. At the same time, the possibility of transferring it to Ukraine is also assessed as low because of the limited number of missiles and launchers held by Turkey itself.
Khan as the most realistic option
Khan — the export version of Bora — is named as the most likely candidate for potential transfer to Ukraine. The missile has a range of up to 280 km and a 470 kg warhead with preformed fragmentation elements.
Its launch uses the universal multicaliber MBRL launcher manufactured by Roketsan. At least as early as 2023, such a launcher had already been spotted in service with the 49th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
It is currently unknown whether this launcher remains in service with Ukraine and whether it is being used. However, the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ experience operating the MBRL could simplify the adoption of Khan if the missiles and additional launchers are purchased.