Media: US considers transferring JSOW munitions to Ukraine

The United States is contemplating the transfer of medium-range Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) munitions to Ukraine, which can be deployed from F-16 fighter jets.

This potential transfer may be included in an upcoming aid package, according to sources cited by US media, per Caliber.Az.

JSOWs are tactical guided aerial bombs designed to engage both stationary and moving targets from beyond the reach of air defence systems. Developed by Texas Instruments' Defence Systems & Electronics division, these weapons can strike targets over 110 kilometres away.

The new aid package is projected to cost $375 million, with an announcement expected on September 23. Reports had a similar figure for military assistance.

While the aid package has yet to be finalized, it is expected to include patrol boats, ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, 155 mm and 105 mm artillery shells, and other weaponry. Additionally, air defence equipment and artillery would also be part of the package.

The last U.S. aid package for Ukraine, issued in July, amounted to $200 million. Since the start of the military operation, Washington has provided a total of $29.8 billion in support to Kyiv.

Ukraine received its first F-16 fighter jets in July, though the exact number was not disclosed (media reported six, one of which crashed). Kyiv anticipates receiving 20 fighters in 2024, with a total of 79 F-16s promised from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands.