Trump greenlights more than 3,000 ERAM air-to-air missiles for Ukraine - WSJ
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
The Trump administration approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine this week. They are expected to arrive in about six weeks, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The outlet, citing information from two US officials, reports that the $850 million arms package is largely funded by European countries. Its transfer was delayed until after US President Donald Trump’s meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
At the same time, several American officials noted that the use of ERAM missiles, which have a range of 240 to 450 km, may require Pentagon approval.
Although the US has not officially announced plans for new ERAM missile deliveries, other types of weapons that European governments purchase from the US could still assist Ukraine within its own borders. Among these are air defense systems and GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets with a range of 145 km.
What is known about ERAM missiles
The SM-6 ERAM (Extended Range Active Missile) is an American guided surface-to-air missile, developed from the Standard Missile (SM) family, and is part of the Aegis air and missile defense system.
Its key feature is versatility: it can strike not only airborne targets (aircraft, cruise missiles) but also ballistic missiles in their terminal phase, and even surface ships. Thanks to the combination of an active radar homing seeker and ship radar guidance, the SM-6 can engage targets at long distances and at high speeds.
The SM-6 ERAM missile has a range of over 240 km and can reach speeds up to Mach 3.5, allowing it to intercept fast-moving targets. It has been used by the US Navy since 2013 and has undergone several upgrades to improve its effectiveness against hypersonic threats.
The SM-6 is deployed from Mk 41 VLS launchers, enabling its use on Aegis-class cruisers and destroyers. It is often called a three-in-one missile because it combines the capabilities of an anti-air, anti-missile, and anti-ship weapon.
Suspension of US military aid to Ukraine
In early July, several Western media outlets reported that the US had temporarily halted shipments of precision-guided missiles and ammunition for the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. The Trump administration explained that the decision was made to review existing weapon stockpiles, which had been significantly depleted.
According to the media, the pause was reportedly caused by a shortage of interceptor missiles for the Patriot system. The final order to suspend weapons deliveries to Ukraine was reportedly given by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who did not inform Congress or President Trump.
After a phone call with President Zelenskyy, Trump announced an increase in US weapons shipments to help Ukraine defend against Russian attacks.
On July 23, the State Department and the Pentagon approved the sale of two military aid packages to Ukraine totaling $322 million.
