US may provide Ukraine with long-range JASSM missiles for F-16 – media
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas ? Airmen here prepare a JASSM cruise missile to be loaded onto a B-1. The 7th Bomb Wing here became the first unit to achieve initial operational capability of the JASSM cruise missile Aug. 18, which means the missile is able to be used in combat operations. The JASSM, or AGM-158A, is an air-to-surface, single warhead self-propelled missile. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The United States could provide Ukraine with long-range JASSM cruise missiles for its air force for the first time. President Donald Trump is considering authorizing the transfer of these precision-guided missiles, which would enhance the combat capabilities of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets in the war against Russia.
This is reported by Military Watch Magazine .
US President Donald Trump, according to an informed source, is considering authorizing the transfer of the first JASSM air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine. These missiles are planned to be integrated into the growing fleet of F-16 fighters of the Ukrainian Air Force. Although these are outdated modifications of the aircraft from the Cold War era, they can become effective missile carriers, performing launches from a safe distance in the rear.
The potential transfer of the JASSM comes amid other reports that Washington is preparing new aid packages for Ukraine. In particular, on July 14, information emerged about the possible transfer of another long-range missile capable of hitting targets deep behind the Russian border.
In addition, President Trump previously confirmed that the United States would provide Ukraine with another Patriot air defense system, also hinting at the possible transfer of other advanced weapons systems.
The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile ( JASSM ) cruise missiles have been in service since 2003. They combine limited stealth capabilities with high-precision guidance and are capable of carrying a warhead weighing up to 450 kg. Today, only four countries have these missiles in service, including Poland, which has received 110 units for its F-16s.
The missile remains a sensitive US export. Notably, Washington denied South Korea the right to purchase JASSMs in the early 2010s, and no non-Western country has ever received them. This high sensitivity is likely why they were not previously supplied to Ukraine.
Ukraine has already adapted its Soviet-era Su-27 and Su-24M aircraft to use the British Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles. These missiles have similar characteristics to the JASSM. However, due to the limited stockpiles of European cruise missiles, there are increasing calls for the United States to transfer its arsenals. The JASSM is expected to significantly increase the combat effectiveness of the F-16 in the Ukrainian Air Force.
It is worth adding that Trump will soon announce an “aggressive” plan to supply weapons to Ukraine . The US may transfer the missiles it receives to Moscow.
Recall that US President Donald Trump plans to send military aid to Ukraine for the first time since his return to the White House . This decision will be implemented through the so-called presidential powers to reduce arms stocks, which were previously actively used by Joe Biden. The preliminary cost of the package may reach about $ 300 million.
Earlier it was reported that the US decided to resume military aid to Ukraine , in particular, to provide a new batch of defensive weapons. Later it became known that US President Donald Trump probably promised Volodymyr Zelensky to provide Patriot missiles to strengthen Ukrainian air defense.
At the same time, Donald Trump confirmed that Ukraine had requested another Patriot air defense system . He added that the White House is considering the issue.
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