Russia is estimated to have lost 14 helicopters during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-attacks-russian-targets-with-missile-system-covertly-given-by-the-us-648172">strikes by Ukraine</a> through the US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) this week, British defence ministry claimed. The announcement reflects the game-changer role that the missile system may play for Ukraine, mirroring the successful role played by&nbsp;US-provided Stinger missiles to the Afghan Mujahideen in the 1980s during Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The ATACMS and Stinger missiles, however, are two different kind of air weapons but their potential to turn the dynamics of a conflict during a frontline impasse shows initial similarities.&nbsp;

ATACMS are capable of reaching targets 100 miles or more away, whereas an FIM-92 Stinger is a human-portable air-defence system that operates as an infrared homing surface-to-air missile.&nbsp;It can be adapted to fire from a wide variety of ground vehicles, and from helicopters as the Air-to-Air Stinger. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-attacks-russian-targets-with-missile-system-covertly-given-by-the-us-648172">Ukraine attacks Russian targets with missile system secretly given by the US</a>

According to an&nbsp;estimate published by Air Defence Artillery platform, Afghan Mujahideen during the 1980s&nbsp;used Stingers to shoot down 269 aircraft out of 340 engagements, with a 79 per cent success rate. 
 
On Friday (Oct 20), the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) said in its intelligence update that while the extent of damage is currently unconfirmed, it is likely nine Russian military helicopters at Berdyansk and five at Luhansk were destroyed.

Earlier this week, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv used the ATACMS to attack Russian airfields in Luhansk region and the port city of Berdyansk in the Zaporizhzhia region on Tuesday.

The Kremlin is yet to react on the reports of the strikes but on Wednesday Russian President Vladimir Putin, whilst in Beijing,&nbsp;called the US delivery of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine "another mistake by the United States."

Also watch |&nbsp;How has Ukraine war impacted Russia's trade? | Trade booms between Russia &amp; China | WION

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"War is war," Putin said. "And, of course, I have said that [ATACMS] pose a threat. It goes without saying. But what counts most is that they are completely unable to drastically change the situation along the line of contact. It's impossible."

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

According to the British defence officials cited in the Newsweek, it is expected that the losses of the helicopters will impact Moscow's ability to defend its assets in the contested territories and its ongoing scale of offence against Ukraine.

"Given that Russian fixed wing close air support to date has been extremely poor, Russian defensive lines have become increasingly reliant on rotary wing support in the face of the Ukrainian offensive," the ministry's intelligence update said.

"Berdyansk was being used as a primary Forward Operating Base on the southern axis providing both logistics and offensive/defensive capabilities."

"Given the current strain on Russian military production, the confirmed loss of any air frames will be difficult to replace in the short to medium term," the British MOD said.

"This loss will also likely create additional pressure on Russia's pilots and air frames, already almost certainly suffering combat exhaustion and maintenance issues due to the unanticipated protracted campaign," it said.

Moscow has lost 324 of its 899 military helicopters since the beginning of war in Ukraine, according to figures cited by the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces.

(Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.)

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Russia is estimated to have lost 14 helicopters during strikes by Ukraine through the US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) this week, British defence ministry claimed.

Russia is estimated to have lost 14 helicopters during strikes by Ukraine through the US-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) this week, British defence ministry claimed. The announcement reflects the game-changer role that the missile system may play for Ukraine, mirroring the successful role played by US-provided Stinger missiles to the Afghan Mujahideen in the 1980s during Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The ATACMS and Stinger missiles, however, are two different kind of air weapons but their potential to turn the dynamics of a conflict during a frontline impasse shows initial similarities. ATACMS are capable of reaching targets 100 miles or more away, whereas an FIM-92 Stinger is a human-portable air-defence system that operates as an infrared homing surface-to-air missile. It can be adapted to fire from a wide variety of ground vehicles, and from helicopters as the Air-to-Air Stinger. Also read | Ukraine attacks Russian targets with missile system secretly given by the US According to an estimate published by Air Defence Artillery platform, Afghan Mujahideen during the 1980s used Stingers to shoot down 269 aircraft out of 340 engagements, with a 79 per cent success rate. On Friday (Oct 20), the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) said in its intelligence update that while the extent of damage is currently unconfirmed, it is likely nine Russian military helicopters at Berdyansk and five at Luhansk were destroyed. Earlier this week, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv used the ATACMS to attack Russian airfields in Luhansk region and the port city of Berdyansk in the Zaporizhzhia region on Tuesday. The Kremlin is yet to react on the reports of the strikes but on Wednesday Russian President Vladimir Putin, whilst in Beijing, called the US delivery of ATACMS missiles to Ukraine "another mistake by the United States." Also watch | How has Ukraine war impacted Russia's trade? | Trade booms between Russia & China | WION × "War is war," Putin said. "And, of course, I have said that [ATACMS] pose a threat. It goes without saying. But what counts most is that they are completely unable to drastically change the situation along the line of contact. It's impossible." What does it mean? According to the British defence officials cited in the Newsweek, it is expected that the losses of the helicopters will impact Moscow's ability to defend its assets in the contested territories and its ongoing scale of offence against Ukraine. "Given that Russian fixed wing close air support to date has been extremely poor, Russian defensive lines have become increasingly reliant on rotary wing support in the face of the Ukrainian offensive," the ministry's intelligence update said. "Berdyansk was being used as a primary Forward Operating Base on the southern axis providing both logistics and offensive/defensive capabilities." "Given the current strain on Russian military production, the confirmed loss of any air frames will be difficult to replace in the short to medium term," the British MOD said. "This loss will also likely create additional pressure on Russia's pilots and air frames, already almost certainly suffering combat exhaustion and maintenance issues due to the unanticipated protracted campaign," it said. Moscow has lost 324 of its 899 military helicopters since the beginning of war in Ukraine, according to figures cited by the General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces. (Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

From Afghanistan to Ukraine: Is US-provided ATACMS leading to Russia's ‘Stinger-missile-moment’ in 2023?

USA's stinger missiles, which cn be fired by a single soldier have been in demand in Ukraine as they have successfully stopped Russian air assaults. But US supplies have dwindled and there are hurdles in the way of producing anti-aircraft weapons.

Challenges include complications related to ramping up production, reluctance by the U.S. to redirect valuable manufacturing capacity to decades-old technology, and fears among defense firms that they would be stuck with unwanted arms when the Ukraine war winds down, according to Reuters interviews with US officials and defense firms.

While US troops themselves have limited use for the current supply of Stingers - a lightweight, self-contained weapon that can be deployed quickly to defend against helicopters, airplanes, drones and even cruise missiles - the US needs to maintain its supply on hand while it develops the next generation of a "man-portable air defense system."

"Right before Ukraine hit, we were going to divest ourselves of Stingers," a congressional source said. The source was quoted by Reuters. Still, Pentagon officials are concerned about a "dwindling" surplus, according to a Pentagon official and the congressional source.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/danger-of-world-war-iii-is-real-warns-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-473854">Danger of World War III is 'real', warns Russian foreign minister Lavrov</a>

In the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian soldiers have shot at least 6 targets. These targets were struck by Ukraine soldiers with the help of Lithuanian-provided Stinger missiles.

Since February, the U.S. has shipped 1,400 Stingers to Ukraine, according to an administration official. But sourcing more will be difficult.

The Stinger production line was closed in December 2020, said Pentagon spokesperson Jessica Maxwell. Since then, Raytheon Technologies won a contract in July 2021 to manufacture more Stingers, but mainly for international governments, according to the U.S. Army. The sole Stinger facility, in Arizona, only produces at a low rate.

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The Pentagon has not ordered new Stingers for many years, but has ordered parts or made other efforts to increase its supply. For example, the Army is in the midst of a "service life extension plan" for some of its Stingers that were to become obsolete in 2023 and is extending what the military calls their "useful life" until 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)

USA's stinger missiles, which cn be fired by a single soldier have been in demand in Ukraine as they have successfully stopped Russian air assaults. But US supplies have dwindled and there are hurdles in the way of producing anti-aircraft weapons.

USA's stinger missiles, which cn be fired by a single soldier have been in demand in Ukraine as they have successfully stopped Russian air assaults. But US supplies have dwindled and there are hurdles in the way of producing anti-aircraft weapons. Challenges include complications related to ramping up production, reluctance by the U.S. to redirect valuable manufacturing capacity to decades-old technology, and fears among defense firms that they would be stuck with unwanted arms when the Ukraine war winds down, according to Reuters interviews with US officials and defense firms. While US troops themselves have limited use for the current supply of Stingers - a lightweight, self-contained weapon that can be deployed quickly to defend against helicopters, airplanes, drones and even cruise missiles - the US needs to maintain its supply on hand while it develops the next generation of a "man-portable air defense system." "Right before Ukraine hit, we were going to divest ourselves of Stingers," a congressional source said. The source was quoted by Reuters. Still, Pentagon officials are concerned about a "dwindling" surplus, according to a Pentagon official and the congressional source. Also Read | Danger of World War III is 'real', warns Russian foreign minister Lavrov In the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian soldiers have shot at least 6 targets. These targets were struck by Ukraine soldiers with the help of Lithuanian-provided Stinger missiles. Since February, the U.S. has shipped 1,400 Stingers to Ukraine, according to an administration official. But sourcing more will be difficult. The Stinger production line was closed in December 2020, said Pentagon spokesperson Jessica Maxwell. Since then, Raytheon Technologies won a contract in July 2021 to manufacture more Stingers, but mainly for international governments, according to the U.S. Army. The sole Stinger facility, in Arizona, only produces at a low rate. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × The Pentagon has not ordered new Stingers for many years, but has ordered parts or made other efforts to increase its supply. For example, the Army is in the midst of a "service life extension plan" for some of its Stingers that were to become obsolete in 2023 and is extending what the military calls their "useful life" until 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

Dwindling supply of US Stinger missiles creates problems for Ukraine soldiers

Russia's TASS news agency quoting a US State Department representative reported that the Biden administration had discussed shipping "Stinger man-portable air defence systems" to Ukraine.

TASS quoting the US official reported that the "Stinger issue" was raised as US administrations officials discussed&nbsp;whether the missiles could be shipped through a "third party" like Estonia.

Amid tensions with Russia over Ukraine, the US and NATO declared that it will keep its demand during talks with the Russian delegation in Geneva next week.

Russia had listed its demand to the US and NATO last month asserting that former Soviet countries should not join the European military alliance. US secretary of state Anthony Blinken&nbsp;said it was "absolutely non-starter demands"

Blinken rejected Russia's view that Ukraine has been provoking Russian troops. Russia has massed thousands of troops at the border with Ukraine even as Putin has asserted that the country's troops can move about freely anywhere inside the country.

Watch: 'No progress with a gun to Ukraine's head'

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"The idea that Ukraine is the aggressor in this situation is absurd. It's Russia that invaded Ukraine nearly eight years ago," Blinken said referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Putin has rejected reports that Russia is set to invade Ukraine.

"We're prepared to respond forcefully to further Russian aggression. But a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses it," Blinken said. The Biden administration had earlier threatened "massive consequences" if Russia attacked Ukraine.

Blinken blamed Russia for creating a "false narrative that NATO is threatening Russia" even as Putin has consistently demanded that NATO should not extend its influence in Russia's eastern front.&nbsp;

"NATO is a defensive alliance. It exists to protect not to attack," Blinken asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia's TASS news agency quoting a US State Department representative reported that the Biden administration had discussed shipping "Stinger man-portable air defence systems" to Ukraine.

Russia's TASS news agency quoting a US State Department representative reported that the Biden administration had discussed shipping "Stinger man-portable air defence systems" to Ukraine. TASS quoting the US official reported that the "Stinger issue" was raised as US administrations officials discussed whether the missiles could be shipped through a "third party" like Estonia. Amid tensions with Russia over Ukraine, the US and NATO declared that it will keep its demand during talks with the Russian delegation in Geneva next week. Russia had listed its demand to the US and NATO last month asserting that former Soviet countries should not join the European military alliance. US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said it was "absolutely non-starter demands" Blinken rejected Russia's view that Ukraine has been provoking Russian troops. Russia has massed thousands of troops at the border with Ukraine even as Putin has asserted that the country's troops can move about freely anywhere inside the country. Watch: 'No progress with a gun to Ukraine's head' "The idea that Ukraine is the aggressor in this situation is absurd. It's Russia that invaded Ukraine nearly eight years ago," Blinken said referring to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Putin has rejected reports that Russia is set to invade Ukraine. "We're prepared to respond forcefully to further Russian aggression. But a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses it," Blinken said. The Biden administration had earlier threatened "massive consequences" if Russia attacked Ukraine. Blinken blamed Russia for creating a "false narrative that NATO is threatening Russia" even as Putin has consistently demanded that NATO should not extend its influence in Russia's eastern front. "NATO is a defensive alliance. It exists to protect not to attack," Blinken asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

US discussed shipping Stinger missiles to Ukraine: Report

China urged Washington on Tuesday to "immediately cancel" the potential sale of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-possible-22-billion-arms-sale-to-taiwan-amid-tension-with-china-234130"> $2.2 billion in weapons to Taiwan</a>, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles.

"The sale of weapons by the United States to Taiwan... seriously violates the one-China principle... grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and undermines China's sovereignty and security interests," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang.

On Monday, the US State Department had approved the potential sale to Taiwan of $2.2 billion in arms, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles.

The deal includes 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles, related equipment and support at an estimated cost of just over $2.2 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The proposed sale "will contribute to the modernization of the recipient's main battle tank fleet", improve its air defence system and "support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security and defensive capability (of Taiwan)," DSCA said.

Beijing had earlier made clear its opposition to the possible sale earlier this month, stressing the "extremely sensitive and damaging nature" of arms sales to Taiwan.

China has significantly stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taipei since the election in 2016 of President Tsai Ing-wen, whose Democratic Progressive Party refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "One China".

It has staged military exercises near the island, and steadily reduced the already small number of nations that recognize Taiwan.

The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but has remained an important ally - and arms supplier - to Taipei. Laws passed that year by Congress required Washington to provide the island with means of self-defence. 
&nbsp;

China urged Washington on Tuesday to "immediately cancel" the potential sale of $2.2 billion in weapons to Taiwan, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles.

China urged Washington on Tuesday to "immediately cancel" the potential sale of $2.2 billion in weapons to Taiwan, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles. "The sale of weapons by the United States to Taiwan... seriously violates the one-China principle... grossly interferes in China's internal affairs and undermines China's sovereignty and security interests," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang. On Monday, the US State Department had approved the potential sale to Taiwan of $2.2 billion in arms, including battle tanks and anti-aircraft missiles. The deal includes 108 M1A2T Abrams tanks, 250 Stinger portable anti-aircraft missiles, related equipment and support at an estimated cost of just over $2.2 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The proposed sale "will contribute to the modernization of the recipient's main battle tank fleet", improve its air defence system and "support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security and defensive capability (of Taiwan)," DSCA said. Beijing had earlier made clear its opposition to the possible sale earlier this month, stressing the "extremely sensitive and damaging nature" of arms sales to Taiwan. China has significantly stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taipei since the election in 2016 of President Tsai Ing-wen, whose Democratic Progressive Party refuses to acknowledge that the island is part of "One China". It has staged military exercises near the island, and steadily reduced the already small number of nations that recognize Taiwan. The United States switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979, but has remained an important ally - and arms supplier - to Taipei. Laws passed that year by Congress required Washington to provide the island with means of self-defence.

Sale of weapons to Taiwan violates one-China policy, cancel it immediately: China to US

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