The United States is approaching an agreement to supply Ukraine with long-range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), which could fundamentally change the course of the war, giving Ukraine the ability to strike Russian territory. This is reported by the Reuters agency, noting that the announcement of the inclusion of these missiles in the package of weapons may take place this fall. However, the final decision has not yet been made, and Kyiv will have to wait several months for the technical issues to be resolved.
JASSM: A powerful tool for the Ukrainian army
JASSM missiles, developed by the American company Lockheed Martin Corp, can become a real lever in the hands of the Ukrainian army. With a range of about 370 km for the older models and more than 800 km for the newer ones, these missiles allow you to hit strategic enemy targets at a considerable distance. Their ability to fly at low altitudes, evade air defenses and be difficult to detect by radar makes them a serious threat to Russian military facilities.
The launch of JASSM from the territory of Ukraine may allow hitting military facilities in Voronezh, Bryansk and even in Crimea, which will greatly complicate the support of Russian offensive operations.
Prospects and challenges for the Ukrainian Air Force
Currently, JASSMs are only integrated into US-designed aircraft such as the F-16, but US officials are working to adapt them for use on Soviet fighter jets in service with Ukraine, such as the MiG-29, Su-24 and Su-27 . This will allow Ukraine to obtain a large number of high-precision weapons, significantly strengthening its military capabilities.
Strategic implications and political challenges
The implementation of JASSM could significantly change the strategic landscape of the war, pushing Russian bridgeheads and supply depots hundreds of kilometers away. This will not only complicate Russia's ability to support offensive operations, but also potentially provide Ukraine with a strategic advantage on the battlefield.
However, the supply of such missiles also poses political challenges. According to one of the US officials, providing Ukraine with JASSM will put pressure on Washington to lift restrictions on the use of US weapons for strikes on Russian territory, which could cause a new round of escalation.
JASSM: Power and precision
JASSM missiles are equipped with a large 1,000-pound warhead, making them effective against critical but not fortified targets. They are not designed to destroy bunkers, but their accuracy, which reaches 3 meters, provides the maximum effect of defeat. Missile guidance is carried out using Global Positioning System (GPS) and inertial navigation system signals, and an infrared seeker helps the missile hit the target.
