Ukraine closes in on long-range JASSM missile deal with...

Ukraine closes in on long-range JASSM missile deal with US

Washington is close to a deal in which it will give Kyiv long-range cruise missiles that can strike deep into Russia, it has been reported

Unnamed officials cited by Reuters said that Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSMs) will be part of a weapons package that is expected to be announced this fall, pending a final decision.

Retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, a former commander of the U.S. Army Europe, who has repeatedly called for Washington to commit to providing Kyiv with long-range weapons, welcomed the prospect of the missiles being given to Ukraine, but pointed out there had already been too much of a delay.

The AGM-158A version of the missile has a 330-mile range, while the AGM-158B variant, 575 miles, potentially putting Russian staging areas and supply depots far from the front lines within striking distance of Ukraine's forces.