US to supply Ukraine with ERAM cruise missiles, first delivery date revealed
US ERAM missile (Photo: Wikipedia)
In August, the US approved the sale of 3,350 ERAM cruise missiles to Ukraine. The first batch is expected to arrive in October, according to Aviationweek.
The ERAM was developed just 14 months after the tender was published in August 2024.
With a budget of $225 million and an accelerated procurement process, the weapons task force spent slightly over a year to issue ERAM requests, sign contracts with two unconventional defense companies, demonstrate the weapon on the American Douglas A-4 test stand and a Ukrainian MiG-series fighter, and obtain prototypes.
A total of up to 3,350 missiles are authorized for purchase by Ukraine. However, the first produced batch will be small - only 10 units. They are expected to be delivered to Ukraine in October.
By October 2026, Ukraine is expected to have 840 ERAM modules, divided into two configurations.
What is known about ERAM missiles
The SM-6 ERAM (Extended Range Active Missile) is an American guided missile from the Standard Missile (SM) family. It can intercept aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic targets in their terminal phase, and also strike surface ships, which is why it is often called three-in-one.
This versatility is achieved through a combination of an active radar homing seeker and guidance from the ship’s radar.
The SM-6 has a range exceeding 240 km and a speed of about Mach 3.5, allowing it to effectively counter even high-speed threats.
The missile has been in service with the US Navy since 2013 and has been repeatedly upgraded to improve its effectiveness, including against hypersonic weapons.
