The Extended Range Attack Munitions will likely equip Ukraine’s F-16 fighter fleet as Kyiv strengthens its long-range strike capabilities against Russian forces.
Ukraine has received U.S. State Department approval to acquire up to 3,350 low-cost cruise missiles for its air force in a deal valued at up to $825 million, the Pentagon announced.
The prospective Foreign Military Sales agreement covers Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) weapons sourced from U.S. contractors CoAspire and Zone 5 Technologies, according to a notification published Aug. 28 by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the arrangement the following day, noting that Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway will help fund the purchase through existing aid programs.
“Procurement funding will be provided with the support of Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway through the Purl and Jumpstart programmes,” Shmyhal said. “I am grateful to our partners.”
The weapons acquisition represents a significant boost to Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities as the country continues defending against Russia’s invasion, now in its third year.
“The ERAM is an example of working together with our NATO allies to develop a capable and scalable system capable of being delivered on a fast timeline,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated.
Details about the ERAM design remain limited, but the missiles will incorporate global positioning system and inertial navigation system guidance along with selective availability anti-spoofing module capabilities to prevent interference, according to the agency.
CoAspire’s product portfolio includes the Rusty Dagger and Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile systems, with the latter undergoing flight testing earlier this year. Zone 5 Technologies specializes in launched effects and counter-drone systems.
While the Pentagon notification did not specify which aircraft would carry the U.S.-produced weapons, Ukraine’s Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons represent the most likely platform. Aviation analytics firm Cirium reports that Kyiv currently operates 22 F-16A aircraft.
The missile deal marks another step in ongoing Western military support for Ukraine, with allied nations providing increasingly sophisticated weapons systems to help counter Russian aggression.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine secured U.S. approval for up to 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition cruise missiles in an $825 million deal.
- Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway will fund the purchase through existing aid programs.
- The missiles feature GPS guidance and anti-spoofing technology from contractors CoAspire and Zone 5 Technologies.
- Ukraine’s 22 F-16A fighter jets will likely serve as the primary delivery platform for the new weapons.
- The acquisition significantly enhances Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities against Russian forces.
