US supports Ukraine, 3,000 missiles threaten Russian front line

Washington has approved the transfer of more than 3,000 long-range strike missiles (ERAMs) to Ukraine, opening up the opportunity to change the balance of the battlefield.

In the coming weeks, the conflict in Ukraine could see a new twist: the United States will deliver thousands of ERAM long-range attack missiles to Ukraine. These cheap but effective weapons promise to help Kiev reach targets that were previously nearly impossible, amid a fiercely escalating conflict with Russia.

The Trump administration has approved a deal worth about $850 million, including 3,350 ERAM missiles and other undisclosed items, according to the Wall Street Journal. The bulk of the funding will come from European allies, reflecting the West’s increasingly close coordination in supporting Kiev.

ERAM is designed to have a range of 240-450 km, initially intended to be launched from aircraft. This weapon is capable of hitting targets beyond the reach of many of the precision-guided bombs that Ukraine possesses, allowing the country to put Russian logistics centers, air bases and military- industrial facilities at risk.

However, some unnamed US officials said Kiev would need prior approval from the Pentagon to use ERAM, especially since the weapon can strike deep into Russian territory. This reflects Washington's caution to avoid escalating the conflict directly.

The ERAM development effort began in early 2024, when the U.S. Air Force issued a request for information (RFI) for a low-cost, easy-to-produce, air-launched precision-guided munition. Sixteen defense companies were invited to submit proposals.

ERAM is described as a “modular, mass-producible, affordable weapon,” with a requirement to produce at least 1,000 within two years. This is not only to meet the needs of the Ukrainian battlefield, but also to prepare the US for future high-intensity conflict scenarios, especially in the Indo- Pacific .

Technically, ERAM weighs about 227 kg, has a minimum speed of 750 km/h, is equipped with a fragmentation warhead capable of penetrating. The guidance system is designed to operate even in GPS jammed environments, with a target error probability (CEP) of only about 10 meters.

Prior to ERAM, Ukraine had been supplied with JDAM-ER, SDB Small Diameter Bomb, Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG missiles. However, most only had a range of about 70 km, except for Storm Shadow and SCALP which could reach 480 km. ERAM, in the thousands, would significantly expand Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities at a much lower cost than cruise missiles.

A key question is what aircraft will carry the ERAM. Ukraine has already adapted MiG-29s, Su-24s, and Su-27s to fire the Western weapon. Kiev has also begun receiving F-16 fighters, which are considered ideal platforms for deploying the new missile.

Still, Washington’s policy ambiguity makes it difficult for Kiev to use ERAM with complete freedom. US officials have repeatedly rejected Ukraine’s requests to launch ATACMS into Russian territory. Whether ERAM is allowed or restricted will depend on the White House’s strategic calculations toward Moscow.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is still vigorously promoting its domestic missile development programs. Recently, Kiev introduced two types of cruise missiles, Flamingo and Long Neptune, with ranges of 3,000 km and 1,000 km, respectively. This is considered a step to reduce dependence on weapons supplies from the West, while expanding options for attacking Russian territory.

The US transfer of ERAM not only gives Ukraine more leverage against Russia, but also serves as a test for the US defense strategy. With its cheap, easy-to-produce and quick-to-deploy characteristics, this type of missile could become a key weapon in future conflicts.

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