Ukraine May Soon Arm F-16s with JASSM Missiles, Here’s Why They Matter

Western sources close to Washington report that Ukraine may soon receive new weaponry for its F-16 aircraft, which began missions in Ukrainian airspace in August 2024. The focus is on the GM-158 JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile).

What is the JASSM missile?

This air-to-surface missile’s primary advantage is its powerful long-range capability. It is a subsonic missile with a 450 kg warhead and a total weight of 1020 kg. The missile’s range varies, with the JASSM-ER version capable of striking targets up to 980 km away.

Ukraine might receive missiles with a shorter range—approximately 230 miles (370 km). Although this is significantly less than the missile’s maximum capability, it still represents a crucial enhancement for Ukraine’s defense. Here’s why:

• Deep strikes: This range allows Ukraine to reach targets on the Crimean Peninsula, where hundreds of Russian military bases, airfields, air defense systems, and logistical centers are located. It enables strikes deep behind the front lines in the partially occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

• Increased arsenal: Ukraine currently has one long-range air-to-surface missile, the Storm Shadow/SCALP, provided by the UK and France. Another option is the American ATACMS, launched from ground-based platforms. The introduction of the JASSM would expand the variety of Ukraine’s strike capabilities, effectively increasing the number of available missiles.

Whether Ukraine will receive a substantial number of these missiles remains unclear. Reports indicate that the U.S. defense industry can produce about 40-50 JASSM missiles per month, totaling over 500 units annually, though the number of 230-mile versions is unspecified. Regardless, this would significantly boost Ukraine’s defense, with the added advantage of using existing platforms—F-16 aircraft, which can carry two of these missiles each.

What are the strategic priorities?

Ukraine’s top request from its partners for long-range weaponry is the ability to strike targets deep into Russian territory. Long-range missiles can destroy Russian military airfields and aircraft up to 200 km beyond the border, with estimates suggesting at least 20 airfields could be targeted. Neutralizing these would diminish Russian air activity and reduce the use of precision-guided bombs against Ukrainian military positions and civilian targets.

Whether Ukraine will receive permission to use the GM-158 JASSM for such strikes remains unknown, but it would greatly enhance Ukraine’s defense. JASSM missiles are far more effective than drones and can cause significant damage. Russian air power is a key element of their advantage, so reducing both their aircraft and their supporting infrastructure would strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.