JASSM missiles for Ukraine - Threat Russia can't ignore

The report says if the request is approved, these cruise missiles, capable of evading radar, will likely be launched from Ukrainian F-16 fighters, significantly enhancing US support for Ukraine.

The media outlet writes that Ukraine may receive the standard version of the JASSM, which has a range of 370 kilometers. This missile was used by US fighters to kill Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of ISIS, in 2019.

Missile characteristics

The JASSM is equipped with a 450-kilogram warhead designed to evade Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems. This missile can fly at low altitudes, allowing it to remain undetected by enemy radar.

Currently, Ukraine’s arsenal includes another air-launched cruise missile — the Anglo-French Storm Shadow.

"President Zelenskyy had unsuccessfully lobbied for Germany to give Taurus missiles with a range of 310 missiles. A donation of these would be significant because the distance from the Ukrainian border to Moscow is about 280 miles,meaning that Taurus missiles could allow Zelenskyy to strike the Russian capital," the publication writes.

It is unlikely that JASSM missiles will reach Moscow. However, at least 30 Russian airbases fall within their range. If the missiles are indeed supplied, this would complicate Russia’s ability to carry out frequent airstrikes on Ukraine.

As the publication writes, Ukrainian F-16 pilots armed with JASSM missiles could take the risk and enter Russian airspace to get closer to their targets.

JASSM will likely be used to strike Russian ammunition depots and command posts. This could help stretch Moscow’s supply lines and slow down the offensive.

JASSM missiles

American JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) is a long-range, highly accurate cruise missile designed to destroy well-protected ground targets without entering enemy air defense zones.

They are launched from fighters and bombers, including F-16, F-15, B-1B, B-2, and others. The standard version can hit targets up to 370 km away, while the JASSM-ER variant has a range of over 900 km.

JASSM features a low-observable body and a navigation system combining GPS and infrared guidance. This allows the missile to effectively evade enemy air defenses and accurately strike fortified targets, such as command centers, ammunition depots, airfields, or radars.

By the way, rumors about US plans to supply Ukraine with JASSM missiles appeared in the media as early as August last year, when Joe Biden was president. However, Ukraine never received such weapons.

Yesterday, Military Watch Magazine reported that US President Donald Trump may approve the delivery of long-range JASSM missiles to Ukraine.