US sends JASSM missiles to Ukraine, enhancing long-range strike capability

The JASSM missiles, carried by F-16 aircraft, among others, have been on the list of weapons to be delivered to Ukraine for months. The American administration has begun preparations for their transfer, allowing Ukraine to attack targets up to 230 miles away.

Western long-range weapons are an invaluable support for Ukraine. Kyiv has received British Storm Shadow missiles and their French counterpart, SCALP-EG. With these weapons, they have successfully attacked ships in the Sevastopol port and the command center at the Belbek airbase.

For such missiles to be possible, Ukrainians had to modify their Su-24 aircraft by attaching suspension points from Tornado aircraft. Despite Ukraine's repeated requests, Germany has declined to provide its Taurus missiles. However, soon, Ukraine will receive another valuable weapon – JASSM air-to-surface missiles.

This assistance is even more critical because this type of weapon can be carried by F-16 aircraft. The first batch, confirmed in August 2024, has already been delivered to Ukraine, although it remains unclear if these specific units have been adapted to carry JASSMs.

Announcements about the transfer of JASSM missiles, initially general declarations, appeared in the public domain in the spring of 2024. After a few months, earlier plans are beginning to take concrete shape.

According to Ukrainian sources, the American administration is preparing to transfer JASSM missiles to Ukraine, with support from senators of both vital political parties. Although no official decision has been made, preparations for formal and technical matters have started.

JASSM missiles, or AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, are designed to strike targets beyond the range of air defense. The rocket is 14 feet long, weighs just over a ton, and can carry a 1,000-pound warhead for about 230 miles. Due to its stealth characteristics, it moves at subsonic speeds during flight, making detection and destruction difficult.

JASSM missiles were introduced into the American air force arsenal in 2003. They have since evolved into versions such as the AGM-158B JASSM ER, with an extended range of 620 miles, and the anti-ship variant AGM-158C LRASM.

A "palletized" variant, the Rapid Dragon launcher, has also been developed, which allows missile launches using transport aircraft. Work is also underway on the AGM-158D JASSM-XR variant, which has an extended range of 1,180 miles.

It is worth emphasizing that the actual value of American aid to Ukraine depends on the technical capabilities of the transferred weapons and the limitations imposed for political reasons.

At this stage, it is not clear whether missiles with a range of 230 miles will be used to strike targets only on Ukrainian territory or – which would be significant – on Russian territory as well.