In a recent development, the Ukrainian army has successfully targeted a Russian air defense battery using their M39 missiles, causing significant damage, according to reports from Forbes. These ground-launched missiles, which are of American origin, have proven to be effective in neutralizing valuable and vulnerable targets.

The second-ever strike with the M39 missile took place on Wednesday, where the Ukrainians aimed at a Russian air force S-400 air-defense battery in Luhansk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. Videos and photos from the region captured the aftermath of the attack, showing smoke rising from what was identified by Russian social-media users as the destroyed S-400 battery.

This recent strike follows the initial attack carried out on October 17, which targeted Russian air force bases in Luhansk and outside Berdyansk in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine. In this previous strike, three M39 missiles were used, each dispersing 950 M74 submunitions, and resulting in the destruction of 21 Russian helicopters.

It is apparent that the Ukrainian army is carefully deploying their limited supply of 20 M39 missiles, saving them for the most valuable and vulnerable targets, including long-range air defenses. The M39 Army Tactical Missile System, known as ATACMS, is a two-ton ballistic missile with a range of up to 100 miles. While its accuracy might not be on par with modern standards, the M39 is an area weapon, capable of covering extensive areas with its explosive submunitions.

The significance of the M39 in targeting helicopter regiments is evident in its design, as it is meant to eliminate multiple aircraft simultaneously. Its submunitions are designed to tear into rotorcraft, as demonstrated in tests carried out by the U.S. Army. In addition to helicopter regiments, air-defense batteries, with their spread-out radars and launchers, make prime targets. By striking these launchers in Luhansk, the Ukrainians are prolonging their campaign against the valuable S-400 air-defense systems, known for their long-range capabilities of up to 150 miles.

Prior to the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian air force deployed five S-400 batteries along with attached radars to occupied Crimea, with additional systems staged in and around occupied territories. In recent months, the Ukrainian navy has managed to destroy two S-400 batteries in Crimea using their Neptune ground-launched anti-ship cruise missiles. These strikes have showcased the Ukrainian military's increasing acquisition of deep-strike weapons.

The ultimate goal of these raids, which target long-range air-defense batteries, is to ensure the safety of Ukrainian cruise missiles and warplanes. The M39 missiles, along with other weapons like the Neptune, enable follow-on attacks by other Ukrainian forces, significantly increasing their combat effectiveness.

As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, the Ukrainian army's effective use of the M39 missiles demonstrates their commitment to defending their territory and countering Russian aggression. With their limited supply of these powerful munitions, the Ukrainians have managed to deliver substantial blows to Russian air defenses, further leveling the playing field.

The Ukrainian army's success lies not only in their strategic deployment of the M39 missiles but also in their coordinated use with other weapons systems. These efforts have disrupted Russian military operations, enabling Ukraine to safeguard its forces and project its own power within the region.

It remains to be seen how the conflict will unfold, but one thing is certain - the Ukrainian army's deployment of the M39 missiles has proven to be a game-changer in their fight against Russian air defenses.

(Note: This article is generated based on the information provided by the user and may not represent the complete and accurate picture of the situation on the ground.)