US in talks to send long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine’s F-16s

While the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a powerful fourth-generation aircraft designed to augment Ukraine’s air capability, its effectiveness depends in part on the weaponry it is equipped with.

The planes delivered so far lack long-range capabilities, but the US appears to be working to address this.

The delivery of the joint air-to-surface missile, or JASSM, could significantly extend the range of Ukraine’s F-16s to 370 kilometers, or about 230 miles.

However, before they can be sent, the Pentagon and the White House would have to clear several hurdles.

These include reviewing the transfer of sensitive technologies and ensuring that Ukraine’s fighter jets can fire the 2,400-pound missile with a 1,000-pound warhead, according to Politico.

Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that the US sent Ukraine air-to-air missiles alongside F-16s, including the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-Air Missile, known as AMRAAM, and AIM. -9X Missile.

It is not clear which variants were sent, but the newest model of the AIM-120D is reported to have a range of over 100 miles. The AIM-9X range is classified.

US generals, Ukrainian officials and experts have warned that the decades-old F-16 will not necessarily be a game-changer for Ukraine as it faces a difficult operating environment of Russian warplanes and air defense systems.

But a video of a Ukrainian F-16 shared by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi earlier this month hinted at how Ukraine might use them.

Armed with air-to-air missiles, it suggested Ukraine might initially use its F-16s to engage Russian jets, rather than as close air support or to suppress and destroy enemy air defenses.

It is unclear whether Ukraine will use the F-16s against targets in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have gained ground since the August 6 surprise attack.

U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday that the U.S. considers Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk a protective move to defend itself, making use of the appropriate U.S. equipment.

However, if Ukraine begins seizing villages and other non-military targets using US weapons and vehicles, it could raise concerns about whether it is acting within the limits set by the US, an unnamed US official told the news agency. name.

Meanwhile, an unnamed source close to Zelensky’s administration told the Kyiv Independent this week that talks between the US and Ukraine on long-range missiles are “at an advanced stage”, with an autumn date being considered.