Since mid-August and early September, various local media have reported on the ongoing analyses and efforts by the United States to equip the Ukrainian Air Force’s F-16 fighter jets with stealth JASSM cruise missiles. According to recent reports, the U.S. government is continuing to advance this initiative, even suggesting the possibility of this new anti-surface weapon being included in the next military aid package to Kyiv.
In mid-August, outlets like Politico reported that President Joe Biden’s administration was considering transferring AGM-158 JASSM stealth cruise missiles. While further details were not provided, it is assumed these missiles would be used to equip the F-16s that the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are supplying to the Ukrainian Air Force. However, this possibility faces significant obstacles and challenges.
Countries transferring F-16s to Ukraine have indicated that the country is still far from achieving Initial Operational Capability, in addition to facing a shortage of fully trained pilots for this new platform. This demonstrates that the Ukrainian Fighting Falcons are primarily being used for the protection and coverage of Kyiv, where the first operational loss of an aircraft occurred, along with the death of its pilot.
Nevertheless, U.S. media indicate that the U.S. government could include a batch of JASSM stealth cruise missiles for the Ukrainian fighters in the next military aid package. Although the exact details of the elements in this package are still unknown, it is estimated to be valued at $375 million.
According to officials speaking to Politico: “The package, which is still being finalized, according to two U.S. officials and one person familiar with the matter, will also include artillery munitions, rockets, and air defense missiles. The individuals requested anonymity to discuss the package before its official announcement and acknowledged that its contents could change before being confirmed.” When asked for comments, the State Department declined to provide any.
About the JASSM:
The AGM-158 JASSM remains, despite its years in service, one of the primary air-to-surface missiles used by the U.S. Air Force. It can be launched from F-15E and F-16 fighters, and in the future, it will also be integrated into F-35 bombers. Additionally, it is present on the strategic bombers B-1B, B-2, and B-52H.
Over the years, Lockheed Martin has refined the AGM-158 with new versions, such as the extended-range ER variant and the LRASM, focused on striking surface targets like ships. In terms of combat capability, it features a 450-kilogram explosive warhead, suitable for attacking fortified military installations.
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
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