U.S. to Transfer Cluster Munitions, ATACMS Missiles from Turkey to Ukraine

The U.S. State Department has formally informed Congress of its intention to relocate American-made weapon systems currently stationed in Turkey to Ukraine. The planned transfer includes 12 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) launchers, ATACMS missiles, and several thousand munitions equipped with dual-purpose cluster submunitions.

Details of the munitions package

According to official congressional documents reviewed by news agencies, the transfer comprises 12 M270 rocket launchers and 2,524 unguided M26 rockets, each carrying dual-purpose cluster munitions. In addition, 47,000 203 mm artillery projectiles of type M509A1—also fitted with dual-purpose cluster submunitions—are slated for permanent delivery to Ukraine.

A separate component of the plan involves the transfer of 70 ATACMS missiles, including variants designated M39.

Logistics and contracting framework

The movement of these weapons will be executed through a mix of private-sector contractors: Turkish firms MKE, ASFAT, and ARCA Savunma; Bulgarian firm VTIC International Ltd; and U.S.-based companies Pansophico and Patriot Defense Group. This arrangement forms part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s military capabilities amid ongoing combat operations against Russia.

The French newspaper Le Figaro reported that Ukraine faces a growing crisis in missile interception capacity, threatening the integrity of its air defense architecture.

Russian diplomatic response

Russia characterizes Western arms deliveries to Ukraine as an obstacle to conflict resolution and asserts that such transfers directly involve NATO member states in the war. Moscow has labeled the policy “playing with fire.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that any shipment containing weapons destined for Ukraine would constitute a legitimate military target under Russian doctrine.

The Kremlin further emphasized that continued Western arms transfers do not support negotiations and will negatively affect any prospective peace talks.