The United States is “open to the transfer” of the AGM-158 JASSMs to Ukraine, which are compatible with the F-16 aircraft. This possibility emerges as the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to achieve successes in Kursk region.
However, a final decision has not been made yet, as the Biden administration is still addressing concerns related to sensitive technologies. This includes ensuring that Ukrainian aircraft can effectively launch these missiles against enemy targets.
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According to Politico, “there is plenty of work to do before any missiles actually make their way to Ukraine, including making sure that existing Soviet-era planes and its freshly delivered F-16 aircraft can launch these missiles”.
Ukraine may receive the AGM-158 missiles with a launch range exceeding 230 miles, suggesting the basic variant with a range of up to 370 kilometers is under consideration. However, restrictions on using American missiles for the strikes on russian territory are still in place. Notably, the AGM-158 JASSM is seen as “the last item on the list of weapons transfers to Ukraine that was previously considered impossible”.
The article also highlights that the current production rate of these missiles at the U.S. defense facilities is 45 units per month. Additionally, for the 2025 fiscal year, starting in October, the Pentagon has ordered 550 JASSMs-ER, which have a range of up to 900 kilometers. The cost of the AGM-158 JASSM-ER for the U.S. military in the 2024 fiscal year is $3.06 million.
The AGM-158 missile has a subsonic flight speed, a launch weight of 1,020 kilograms, and a warhead weighing up to 450 kilograms. The F-16 aircraft can carry up to two of these missiles.
If the White House ultimately approves the transfer of the JASSMs to Ukraine, it would enable the use of the F-16 aircraft for long-range strikes on russian military targets, particularly in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. This would also significantly expand the range and strike volume of Ukraine’s missile arsenal.
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