US Mulls Equipping Ukraine's F-16s with Long-Range Cruise Missiles
US Considers Sending Long-Range Cruise Missiles to Ukraine for F-16 Jets
The United States is in discussions to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles for its newly acquired F-16 fighter jets, according to a US official who spoke to Politico. This move could significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to strike targets hundreds of miles away.
The Biden administration is weighing the option of sending Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM) to Ukraine, which would enable their F-16 jets to hit targets more than 200 miles away. This information comes from a US official and two other sources familiar with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ukraine recently received its first batch of US-made F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies, marking a significant boost to its air capabilities. While these fourth-generation aircraft are powerful, the jets delivered so far lack long-range strike capabilities. The potential addition of JASSM missiles could extend the F-16s’ range to approximately 230 miles.
However, the Pentagon and the White House face several hurdles before finalizing any transfer. These include reviewing the transfer of sensitive technologies and ensuring Ukraine’s fighter jets can effectively deploy the 2,400-pound missile with its 1,000-pound warhead.
Earlier this month, the US reportedly sent Ukraine air-to-air missiles alongside the F-16s, including the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) and the AIM-9X missile. The exact variants and ranges of these missiles remain classified.
Despite the potential boost in capabilities, experts and officials caution that the F-16s may not be a game-changer for Ukraine, given the challenging operating environment of Russian warplanes and air-defense systems.
An unnamed source close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration told the Kyiv Independent that US-Ukraine talks on the long-range missiles were “in the advanced stages,” with a potential delivery date being considered for this fall.
As discussions progress, questions remain about how Ukraine might employ these enhanced capabilities, particularly in relation to targets within Russian territory. The situation continues to evolve as both nations navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the ongoing conflict.
