Will Germany supply JASSM-ER missiles to Ukraine: expert tells

Defence Express editor-in-chief Oleh Katkov said this on Espreso TV.

"This can happen, but in the long run. The procurement of such a number of JASSM-ER missiles can take years to complete. The fact is that JASSM-ERs are designed for tactical aircraft. In the case of Germany, these will be F-35 aircraft, which they are going to buy from the United States. So, the delivery of missiles is tied to Germany's receipt of the F-35. And this should be expected within a decade, perhaps a little earlier. Probably, in 2027-2028, a certain number of aircraft will already be in a combat-ready state," he said.

Indeed, Ukraine needs such missiles. The JASSM-ER is a cruise missile for tactical aircraft that belongs to the same class as the Storm Shadow/SCALP, Taurus, Katkov said.

"It would be great if the F-16s being transferred came with JASSM-ER missiles, without any restrictions on their use on the territory of the Russian Federation," he added.

According to the military expert, the transfer of missiles is extremely difficult because the Pentagon does not have an approved budget for assistance to Ukraine.

"Some EU countries objectively have them in service. For example, Poland has about 40 JASSM-ER missiles. But again, without the United States, it is difficult to say that such missiles can get to Ukraine in the appropriate quantity," Katkov said.

• On March 19, the 20th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense took place at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. Germany has allocated a package worth EUR 500 million, which will include 10,000 artillery pieces.