While the Ukrainian Armed Forces seek to consolidate positions in Kursk and the Russian Ground Forces aim to do the same in Donbas, the United States continues its efforts and negotiations to enhance Ukraine’s war capabilities. Specifically, these efforts are focused on providing long-range cruise missiles, the JASSM, intended to equip the newly acquired F-16 fighter jets of the Ukrainian Air Force.
In mid-August, just days after the first F-16s arrived in Ukraine and were officially presented, various U.S. media outlets began reporting that the Democratic administration of President Joe Biden was considering the possibility of transferring JASSM cruise missiles for Ukraine’s Fighting Falcons.
Originally reported by Politico, the news has gained momentum, and today, Reuters cited U.S. officials indicating that a deal for transferring the mentioned missiles was close to being finalized. However, these sources noted that the provision of the JASSM would take months, including the necessary authorizations, delivery, integration, and training of pilots and crews.
This is not a minor detail, as recent events confirmed by Western officials show that the Ukrainian Air Force’s F-16s are far from achieving Full Operational Capability—a milestone that, under normal conditions, can take years when integrating a new platform. Additionally, issues and delays in personnel training have led the Ukrainian government to consider the possibility of bringing in retired NATO pilots.
While no further details have been provided, rumors circulating follow patterns seen in previous months and years with other systems provided to Ukraine by Western allies. Various media outlets reported on the studies until the Democratic administration and allied countries confirmed the provision of equipment and weaponry to Ukraine. Clear examples include HIMARS, Abrams, Leopard 2, ATACMS missiles, and F-16s.
If the JASSM provision is finalized, without specifying which version, these long-range cruise missiles would be added to the Ukrainian Air Force’s arsenal in this category, alongside the Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles provided by the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, which are used by Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft.
About the JASSM:
Despite its years of service, the AGM-158 JASSM remains one of the primary air-to-surface missiles used by the U.S. Air Force. It is launched from F-15E and F-16 fighters, and in the future, it will also be used on F-35 strike fighters. It is also deployed on strategic bombers such as the B-1B, B-2, and B-52H.
Over the years, Lockheed Martin has refined the AGM-158 with new versions, such as the ER (Extended Range) and the LRASM, which is focused on attacking surface targets like ships. In terms of combat capability, it has a warhead equipped with 450 kilograms of explosives, making it suitable for attacking fortified military installations.
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Russia just warned the US of this if any of these long range missiles strike Russia interior we won’t like Russian responce.
How about we try to deescalate for once?? Ukraine losing a little land is not worth ww3.