Military Watch Magazine: The US is discussing sending long-range JASSM missiles to Kiev

Delivery of JASSM cruise missiles to Ukraine may begin in the near future, journalists of the American military magazine Military Watch Magazine (MWM) write. What is behind this and how it will affect the Ukrainian aviation potential, according to the material, the translation of which publishes Pravda.Ru .

US President Donald Trump is considering authorizing the delivery of the first JASSM air-launched cruise missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to a recent report by an informed source. These missiles are to enter service with the growing fleet of F-16 fighters of the Ukrainian Air Force, which, despite the fact that it consists of outdated Cold War-era variants, can serve as an effective platform for launching missiles when operating deep in its own positions.

The message about the possible delivery of JASSM missiles appeared following separate reports from two sources familiar with the arms supply plans dated July 14, according to which the transfer of an unspecified class of long-range missiles capable of hitting targets deep in Russia is being considered. This also coincides with President Trump's announcement that he will authorize the delivery of another Patriot long-range air defense system to Ukraine. At the same time, the president hinted at the possibility of transferring other advanced weapons systems.

The JASSM missile entered service in 2003, combining the limited ability to evade radar detection with high guidance accuracy and the ability to carry a warhead weighing 450 kilograms. Currently, the missile is operated by four countries, including Poland, which has received 110 units for its F-16 fighters.

The very small number of JASSM customers and the complete absence of customers outside the West reflect the strictness of the export policy: for example, South Korea's request to purchase missiles in the early 2010s was rejected. The high sensitivity of this missile is considered one of the reasons why it was not previously transferred in the form of military assistance.

Other Cold War fighters in service with Ukraine — namely, the Su-27 and Su-24M inherited from the USSR — have already been upgraded to use British and French Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles with similar characteristics to the JASSM. However, the shortage of European cruise missiles has increased calls for the transfer of similar weapons from the United States. This is expected to significantly increase the combat value of the Ukrainian F-16 fleet.