US JASSM missiles for Ukraine can reach Moscow and key Russian targets - Aviation expert

According to Romanenko, JASSM differs from ATACMS. While ATACMS are ballistic missiles, JASSM are cruise missiles with a completely different design and principle of operation. He noted that JASSM is more similar to the British Storm Shadow missiles.

"JASSM missiles are an analog to the Storm Shadow. However, the F-16 cannot carry the Storm Shadow but can carry two JASSM missiles. They have similar components and the same warhead. But the JASSM has a longer range, reaching 370 km for the regular JASSM version and up to 900 km for the extended-range version," Romanenko explained.

In his opinion, the U.S. may provide Ukraine with JASSM missiles of regular modification, as the Americans understand that "we are itching to strike Moscow or targets in Russia's rear."

Romanenko pointed out that JASSM missiles have systems similar to Storm Shadow, which minimally rely on satellite navigation. If the missile detects interference, it switches to terrain-following mode, comparing the landscape with a computer map to adjust its trajectory.

He explained that ballistic missiles can use a purely inertial system, such as ATACMS, which doesn't have GPS. However, JASSM missiles need to hit a specific target, so they have a territory correction system. At the final stage, they have a terminal guidance system, allowing for accuracy within 3-5 meters.

"If we receive them with a warhead similar to TAURUS or Storm Shadow, then the Crimean Bridge will be a likely target. But if we get them with a cluster warhead, then airfields in Crimea will see frequent explosions," the expert emphasized.

What is known about JASSM missiles

JASSM missiles are developed by Lockheed Martin, an American company also known for producing the F-35 fighters. The JASSM development program was launched in 1995 after the AGM-137 TSSAM project was canceled due to its high cost.

The goal was to create a stealthy, long-range, high-precision missile capable of attacking without entering enemy air defense zones and at a much lower cost than TSSAM.

In 2003, ground tests of the missile were completed. However, the first flight tests failed due to problems with the engine and launch device.

The missile was finally approved for military use on B-52 aircraft in October 2003. It was later integrated into strike aircraft like the F-16 and F-35.

These missiles are available to a limited number of U.S. allies, including Poland, Australia, and Finland. However, Japan and the Netherlands have signed contracts for JASSM purchases, and Germany, Greece, Romania, and Denmark are also in negotiations.

First use of JASSM

JASSM was first used during missile strikes on Syria on April 14, 2018, during the Syrian Civil War. Two B-1 Lancer bombers launched 19 JASSM missiles at three Syrian government targets.

In 2019, the missiles were used during the raid in Barisha to capture or kill the then-leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Technical Specifications

• The JASSM missile can destroy targets within a 370-kilometer radius. However, some modifications of the missile can reach targets at distances of up to 980 kilometers.
• The AGM-158 JASSM-ER has a range of up to 980 kilometers, enabling strikes deep into Russia's rear.
• The AGM-158C LRASM has a range of up to 370 km. Its main advantage is its stealth capability in radar, infrared, and other spectrums of observation.
• The AGM-158B-2 can reach a record range of 1,900 km. However, production of these missiles began in 2022.

Background

Recently, media reports indicated that Ukraine might receive JASSM aviation missiles from the US for the F-16. However, the US has not yet lifted its restriction on strikes on Russian territory.

It should be noted that at the end of July, Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands. However, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the number of F-16s currently in Ukraine is insufficient, and the country is awaiting additional planes from its partners.

For more information on how many fighter jets are needed to secure the skies and why Ukraine specifically needs the F-16, read the detailed RBC-Ukraine article.