ARMY TACTICAL MSL SYS (ATACMS) - SYS SUM

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) - SYS SUM is a key line item in the Department of Defense (DoD) budget, specifically under the Army's Missile Procurement appropriation. The primary goal of the ATACMS program is to provide the U.S. Army with a 24/7, all-weather, surface-to-surface precision artillery missile capability. This system enables Combatant Commanders to shape the battlefield with long-range fires against both hard and soft stationary targets in a variety of environments, including open terrain, complex landscapes, and urban settings.

The objectives of the ATACMS program focus on procurement rather than research, with funding allocated to acquire additional missile units and support equipment. For FY 2025, the Army plans to procure additional ATACMS missiles. This procurement supports the Army's requirement to maintain readiness and ensure that active and reserve components have access to advanced long-range fires capabilities for both homeland defense and overseas contingency operations.

ATACMS is designed to deliver precision accuracy at extended ranges, allowing the Army to engage high-payoff, time-sensitive targets without risking aircraft and crews. The missile's design minimizes collateral damage concerns, featuring reduced lethal radii and no potential for unexploded ordnance. This makes ATACMS particularly suitable for operations in complex and urban environments where minimizing unintended damage is a critical consideration.

Justification for the ATACMS program is grounded in statutory requirements, notably Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 110-181). The law mandates that this capability be available for use by both active and reserve components, supporting homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities. The program's alignment with these legal requirements underscores its importance for national security and domestic preparedness.

Funding for the ATACMS program in FY 2026 is not requested, as indicated in the budget justification. This reflects the cyclical nature of missile procurement, which is often based on operational needs, inventory assessments, and production schedules. Previous years have seen significant investments, demonstrating the Army's sustained commitment to maintaining a robust long-range fires capability.

In addition to the primary procurement objective, the ATACMS program supports broader Army modernization efforts. By maintaining an inventory of advanced tactical missiles, the Army ensures it can respond rapidly to emerging threats and provide effective support to joint and coalition operations. The program also contributes to interoperability with allied forces, as ATACMS is compatible with multiple launch platforms and can be integrated into joint operational plans.