The US Air Force reported on its official website on April 13 this year that the Team Eglin Test Enterprise unit promptly completed the integration of the Family of Affordable Mass Munitions - Lugged (FAMM-L) ammunition into the F-16 multi-role fighter as a result of tests that took place in March of this year.
According to the press release, the test series included fit and functionality checks, validation of loading procedures, and ensuring flight compatibility of the FAMM-L and F-16. This effort culminated with the carriage and release of the weapon off the F-16.
Read more: ERAM Missile Built for Ukraine to Power Development of a New Low-Cost Air-Defense Missile
As emphasized by Lt. Col. Brett Tillman, 780th Test Squadron commander, they were able "to safely test and deliver a critical capability at incredible speed". "The team was able to rapidly generate and execute sorties to deliver crucial data for evaluating new, innovative warfighter capabilities," Lt. Col. Brett Tillman stated.
Although the post mentions a FAMM munition and does not provide any details, it hints at the AGM-188A Rusty Dagger cruise missile developed by Zone 5 Technologies as part of the ERAM program, and the missile itself bears the words "Extended Range Attack Munition."
Finally, Zone 5 Technologies itself, in a post on LinkedIn, quoting Eglin Air Force Base's post about the test, noted that it was proud to support the rapid integration of the Rusty Dagger on the F-16 fighter, making the concept of affordable long-range weapons a reality.
Recall, earlier this year it was reported that the Rusty Dagger cruise missile successfully passed the next stage of testing, during which this missile with a real warhead was able to accurately hit a designated target. The completion of the integration of these missiles into the F-16 fighter will mean that Ukraine is getting closer to receiving Rusty Dagger cruise missiles.
The AGM-188A Rusty Dagger is one of two cruise missiles in the ERAM program, which started in 2024 and provided for the creation of weapons primarily for the needs of Ukraine, although now this missile will be the thing for the job for US Air Force too.
The delivery of the first batch of these missiles is expected by the end of this year. It was previously reported that Ukraine was supposed to receive a test batch of ERAM missiles last fall, however, there is currently no confirmation of this.
As Defense Express reported earlier, Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jets adapt to Western ERAM missiles would stay effective at least until 2030
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Read more: New Rusty Dagger Cruise Missile Enters Combat Testing as the U.S. Prepares It for Ukraine
