Ukraine to Receive 70 M39 ATACMS Missiles and 12 M270 MLRS Launchers from Turkey

Ukraine has purchased 70 M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles, 12 M270 multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) launchers capable of firing GMLRS and ATACMS missiles, and tens of thousands of cluster munitions from Turkey.

The information is contained in notifications from the U.S. Department of State published in the official U.S. Congressional Record on August 6, 2026.

The notifications concerning the planned transfer of U.S.-origin weapons were published in the Congressional Record as part of the statutory procedure for approving the reexport of American defense equipment.

Under U.S. law, Congress must be notified when the original value of major defense equipment is at least $14 million, or when the total value of other defense articles and services is at least $50 million.

According to the documents, the transfer will be carried out through Turkish, Bulgarian, and U.S. defense and logistics companies specializing in the export of military equipment.

Congress was notified of the planned transfer to Ukraine of:

• 12 M270 MLRS launchers;
• 70 M39 ATACMS ballistic missiles;
• 2,524 M26 unguided 227 mm rockets equipped with DPICM cluster warheads;
• 47,000 M509A1 203 mm cluster artillery projectiles for 2S7 Pion and M110 self-propelled guns.

The U.S. Department of State informed Congress that it was prepared to authorize the transfer, stating that it is consistent with U.S. security assistance objectives.

The documents state that Turkey intends to reduce its stocks of obsolete weapons in order to redirect financial resources toward the modernization and maintenance of systems currently in service.

Ukraine, meanwhile, intends to acquire the weapons to strengthen its offensive and defensive fire-support capabilities as it continues to counter the Russian invasion.

The transfer is expected to begin immediately after the statutory congressional review period expires. The Department of State submitted the relevant notifications to lawmakers on August 3, 2026.

M39 ATACMS

The M39 is the first production variant of the ATACMS ballistic missile, with a maximum range of approximately 165 km.

The missile is equipped with an autonomous inertial guidance system using laser gyroscopes. However, unlike later ATACMS variants, it does not have a GPS-based correction system.

The missile’s relatively low accuracy is compensated for by its powerful 560 kg cluster warhead. It carries 950 M74 fragmentation submunitions designed to engage personnel, unarmored vehicles, air defense systems, and other area targets.

The M74 submunition has a diameter of 75 mm and weighs approximately 500 grams. Upon detonation, it can produce around 260 fragments, creating a lethal effect over an area of up to 15 square meters.