The US is considering giving Ukraine AGM-158 JASSM missiles for F-16s with a target engagement range of 370 to 980 kilometres

By: Myroslav Trinko | 16.08.2024, 09:00

The United States of America may transfer AGM-158 JASSM cruise missiles to the Ukrainian army.

Here's What We Know

The information was shared by the publication Politico, citing its sources. The report says that the United States began to consider such a possibility after the successes of the AFU in Kursk region. However, the final decision on the transfer of missiles has not yet been made.

Now the US is worried that some "sensitive technologies" may fall into the hands of the enemy. In addition, American engineers have to optimise Ukrainian F-16s for AGM-158 JASSM and check whether Soviet aircraft can carry this weapon.

Flashback

AGM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) is a long-range precision cruise missile developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Air Force. It is designed to engage highly defended targets at long ranges, allowing carrier aircraft to avoid enemy air defence zones.

The JASSM is equipped with a powerful warhead, GPS-based navigation system and inertial navigation, which ensures high precision strike. The missile is also low-observable through the use of stealth technology, which reduces the likelihood of detection and interception. The AGM-158 can be launched from a variety of platforms, including B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, as well as F-15E, F-16, and F/A-18 fighters.

The missile has a 450kg warhead and a target engagement range of 370 to 980 kilometres (depending on the version).

Source: Politico