Ukraine buys 70 ATACMS missiles and 12 M270 MLRS from Turkey: USA approved re-export

Ukraine buys 70 ATACMS missiles and 12 M270 MLRS from Turkey: USA approved re-export

Ukraine will acquire from Turkey 70 M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles, 12 M270 multiple launch rocket systems that use GMLRS and ATACMS missiles, and tens of thousands of munitions.

As stated in the document of the U.S. Department of State, published in the official record of the U.S. Congress on August 6, the Department of State notified Congress of its intention to authorize the transfer to Ukraine of 70 M39 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles from Turkish stockpiles.  

As follows from the documents, Turkey is the party offering the transfer of the weapons, while Ukraine is the end recipient. Since the missiles are of U.S. origin, Ankara cannot transfer them to a third country without appropriate U.S. approval.

The matter concerns 70 M39 ATACMS missiles, whose original acquisition cost amounted to approximately $28 million. The transfer is planned to be carried out through the Turkish company MKE A.S. and the American companies Pansophico and Patriot Defense Group.

The documents explain that Turkey seeks to reduce its stocks of older weapons systems in order to redirect financial resources toward modernization and maintenance of existing systems.

At the same time, Ukraine plans to receive the missiles to strengthen its fire support capabilities in countering the Russian invasion. The notification separately emphasizes that Ukraine already possesses munitions of the same or essentially similar type.

The U.S. side stated that it is prepared to authorize the transfer. In making this decision, the U.S. government took into account political, military, and economic factors, human rights issues, and arms control. It was also noted that the transfer aligns with U.S. security assistance objectives.

The notification was submitted to Congress on August 3, 2026. According to the procedure, Congress has 30 calendar days to review it. The transfer is planned to take place immediately after the expiration of the statutory congressional notification period.

In addition to the ATACMS, a separate notification provides for the transfer to Ukraine from Turkish stocks of 12 M270 MLRS launchers, 2,524 M26 DPICM unguided rockets, and 47,000 203-mm M509A1 DPICM shells. The value of this weaponry is estimated at approximately $255.9 million.