U.S. Considers Sending JASSM Cruise Missiles to Ukraine – Reports

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering authorising the delivery of the first JASSM air launched cruise missiles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, according to a recent report from an informed source. The missiles would equip the Ukrainian Air Force’s growing fleet of F-16 fighters, which although comprised of obsolete Cold War era variants, could serve as effective launch platforms for the missiles while flying deep behind friendly lines. The reported plans to send JASSM missiles follow separate reports by two sources with knowledge of the plans for weapons deliveries on July 14 that the dispatch of an unnamed class of long range missile capable of striking targets deep within Russia is being considered. It also closely coincides with a <a href="https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/trump-new-patriot-air-defence-ukraine" target="_blank">statement</a> by President Trump that he will authorise the supply another Patriot long range air defence system to Ukraine. The president at the time hinted at the delivery of other advanced weapons systems.&nbsp;<img src="https://militarywatchmagazine.com/m/articles/2025/07/14/article_68751dd3418b52_98231312.webp" title="F-16C with JASSM Cruise Missile and AIM-120 Air-to-Air Missile (USAF)">The JASSM entered service in 2003, and combined limited radar evading capabilities with a high level of precision guidance and a 450 kilogram warhead carrying capacity. Four countries currently operate the missile, including Poland which received 110 &nbsp;for its F-16 fighters. The very small number of clients for the JASSM, and the total lack of non-Western clients, reflects a strict export policy, with a South Korean request to purchase the missiles in the early 2010s having been denied. The sensitivity of the missile thought to be a reason why donations were not previously made. Other Cold War era fighters in Ukrainian service, namely its Su-27s and Su-24Ms inherited from the Soviet Union, have already been&nbsp;<a href="https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/su27-storm-shadow-shot-down">modified to launch&nbsp;</a>British and French Storm Shadow and SCALP&nbsp;cruise missiles, which have some comparable features to the JASSM. Shortages of European cruise missiles, however, have fuelled calls for the transfer of cruise missiles from the United States, which is expected to very significantly increase the utility of Ukraine’s F-16 fleet.&nbsp;