The Pentagon supports the transfer of JASSM cruise missiles to Ukraine

9 October, 2024 AGM-158 JASSM. Photo from open sources Gen.

Chris Cavoli, the US military's top commander in Europe, compiled a list of weapons systems the US possesses that could help Ukraine in its fight against Russia. This list includes AGM-158 JASSM air-launched surface-to-air cruise missiles. CNN reported on this.

This list was presented in an appendix to a classified report on the Biden administration's strategy for Ukraine, submitted to Congress early last month. According to people familiar with the report, Gen. Chris Cavoli outlined a list of US capabilities that could help the Ukrainian military fight more effectively.

JASSM-ER missile. Photo credits: US Air Force

The list included the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, a type of air-launched cruise missile, and a communications system known as the Link 16 - a data-sharing network used by the US and NATO. As noted, such a network is supposed to enable more seamless communication between battle systems and is particularly useful for air and missile defense command and control.

Another source familiar with Ukraine's requests shared that the country has repeatedly asked for both systems. Cavoli's list does not address why the US has not provided systems that he assesses would be valuable. However, US officials have previously expressed concerns about sensitive US technology falling into Russian hands, which one source said is likely the holdup with the Link 16 system.

The air-to-surface missiles, which are fired from fighter jets, might not be useful to the Ukrainians unless they achieve some level of air superiority, the source added.

AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile.

2015. Photo credits: U.S. Air Force

In September, Reuters' sources among U.S. officials shared that the U.S. was close to an agreement to give Ukraine AGM-158 JASSM long-range cruise missiles.

The JASSM missiles are in service with the United States, several other NATO countries, and America's closest allies.

Their warhead weighs 450 kg.

The basic version has a range of 360 kilometers, and the ER version has a range of 980 kilometers.