US may send medium-range cruise missiles for Ukraine’s F-16s
Illustrative photo (RBC-Ukraine, Vitalii Nosach)
The US is considering the possibility of providing Ukraine with medium-range air-launched cruise missiles for its new fleet of F-16s as part of a military aid package. The $375 million package is expected to be officially announced on Monday, according to Politico.
The Joint Standoff Weapon, an air-launched cruise missile already used by the US Air Force and Navy and several allies, can strike targets at distances exceeding 70 miles (112.6 kilometers).
According to two US officials and a source familiar with the matter, the package will also include artillery ammunition, rockets, and air defense missiles. They noted that the contents of the package may change before the official announcement.
As reported, the US plans to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine next week. But the delivery of weapons may be delayed.
According to Reuters, the new package includes patrol boats, additional munitions for high-mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS), 155 mm and 105 mm artillery ammunition, Western components, and other weaponry.
