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Trump May Approve JASSM Cruise Missiles for Ukraine to Boost F-16 Strike Power
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering authorizing the delivery of JASSM air-launched cruise missiles to Ukraine, Military Watch Magazine reported on July 14.
The potential transfer would bolster the Ukrainian Air Force’s expanding fleet of F-16s—comprising older Cold War-era variants—which could nonetheless serve as viable launch platforms for the missiles when operating from secure rear positions.
The report comes amid separate claims from two sources familiar with US weapons transfer deliberations, indicating that Washington is weighing the delivery of an unspecified class of long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory. It also follows Trump’s recent pledge to provide Ukraine with another Patriot long-range air defense system, during which he hinted at additional advanced weapons deliveries.
According to Military Watch Magazine, the AGM-158 JASSM, which entered US service in 2003, combines radar-evading characteristics with precision guidance and a 450-kilogram warhead.
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The missile is currently operated by just four countries, including Poland, which has acquired 110 units for its F-16 fleet. Strict export controls have historically limited the missile’s proliferation—South Korea’s request to buy JASSM in the early 2010s was rejected—making any transfer to Ukraine particularly significant.
Ukrainian Soviet-era jets, including Su-27s and Su-24Ms, have already been modified to launch British and French Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles, which possess comparable capabilities, Military Watch Magazine reported.
However, European stocks of these missiles are reportedly strained, amplifying calls for US-supplied alternatives. The addition of JASSM missiles is expected to significantly enhance the combat potential of Ukraine’s F-16s.
Earlier, it was reported that Senator Lindsey Graham predicts that US military aid to Ukraine will soon hit record levels, following a “major announcement” from President Donald Trump expected on July 14.
