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The Biden administration is taking steps in the next phase of the “F-16 for Ukraine” initiative, focusing on delivering stealth munitions that could bolster Kyiv’s efforts to push back against Russian forces in temporarily occupied territories. American experts suggest that the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles [JASSM] might be on the list for potential delivery to Ukraine.
The decision from the White House is still pending, but optimism about the odds is high for Ukraine. Notably, this represents a significant shift, as Washington is considering sending a modern technological marvel rather than Cold War-era armaments for the first time since the Russian invasion in 2022.
Nonetheless, the so-called F-16 challenge persists because the JASSM wasn’t originally designed to integrate with this aircraft. As Peter Suciu explained, these advanced air-launched cruise missiles could give Ukraine a significant long-range strike capability, although integrating the JASSM with the F-16s could be tricky.
What do experts in DC think about the situation? According to Thomas Newdick, the United States is “open” to supplying Ukraine with the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile [JASSM]. This discussion follows reports from Washington about six months ago when Ukrainian officials announced they would be receiving an unspecified type of air-launched cruise missile with a range of up to 300 miles for their F-16s.
The F-16s being sent to Ukraine are of the F-16 AM/BM standard and have gone through the Mid-Life Update [MLU] program. However, it’s important to note that none of these jets currently use the JASSM. At present, only the US Air Force and Poland, which operate more advanced versions of the F-16, are utilizing this missile. It is plausible that the MLU jets can support the necessary software for the JASSM, or perhaps already have it. However, activation or certain hardware modifications may be required, which could pose limitations.
While a final decision is reportedly still pending, an official from the Biden administration mentioned to Politico that details of the transfer are being worked out, including how to manage the missile’s sensitive technologies. This development suggests that the conversation has shifted from “if” to “when.”
For the first time, official discussions have surfaced about the potential of JASSM missiles being mounted on Ukrainian F-16s. Until recently, this idea was mere speculation, but it appears the analysis was spot-on. Earlier this summer, Tyler Rogoway boldly suggested that arming Ukrainian F-16s with JASSM would be logical. “The biggest wildcard of them all,” Rogoway noted, emphasizing the significance of this particular cruise missile.
So, if the D.C. permit goes through, what exactly will Ukraine get? The Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile [JASSM] is a long-range, precision-guided missile developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Armed Forces. It is designed to engage high-value, well-defended targets from a safe distance, minimizing the risk to the launching aircraft.
Radar visibility in missile numbers refers to the missile’s ability to evade detection by enemy radar systems. The JASSM is designed with low observable technology, making it difficult for enemy radar to detect and track the missile, thus enhancing its survivability and effectiveness in contested environments.
The JASSM is equipped with a variety of sensors to ensure accurate targeting and navigation. These include an infrared seeker for terminal guidance, which allows the missile to home in on the target with high precision, even in adverse weather conditions or in the presence of countermeasures.
The avionics suite of the JASSM includes advanced navigation systems such as GPS and an inertial navigation system [INS]. These systems work together to provide precise midcourse guidance, ensuring the missile stays on its intended flight path toward the target.
Guidance types for the JASSM include a combination of GPS, INS, and an infrared seeker. This multi-mode guidance system allows the missile to navigate accurately over long distances and adjust its course as needed to hit the designated target with high precision.
Optics types in the JASSM primarily refer to the infrared seeker used for terminal guidance. This seeker provides high-resolution imaging, allowing the missile to identify and lock onto the target in the final phase of flight, ensuring a high probability of successful engagement.
The JASSM is armed with a penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead. This type of warhead is designed to penetrate hardened structures, such as bunkers or reinforced buildings, before detonating to maximize damage to the target.
The operational range of the JASSM varies depending on the specific variant. The baseline JASSM has a range of approximately 230 miles [370 kilometers], while the extended-range variant, JASSM-ER, can reach distances of up to 575 miles [925 kilometers].
Missile targets for the JASSM include a wide array of high-value assets such as enemy air defenses, command and control centers, communication nodes, and other critical infrastructure. Its precision and long range make it an effective tool for neutralizing strategic targets deep within enemy territory.
BULGARIAN MILITARY