The U.S. has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at $375 million, which includes long-range JSOW glide bombs. This was revealed on September 26.
These precision glide bombs, known as the Joint Standoff Weapon, can be launched at low altitudes and have a range of 70 miles. Weighing in at 1,100 pounds, they are designed to evade Russian air defenses, according to TWZ.com.
Experts note that these bombs are more advanced than the glide bombs employed by Russia and are priced around $500,000 each. They can be deployed from F-16 fighter jets and feature retractable wings, enabling them to hit targets over 100 km away, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.
With GPS guidance and an infrared imaging sensor, these bombs are resistant to radio jamming, giving them a stealth advantage over Russian defenses, as per TWZ.
Uncredited, Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/Associated Press
In a statement, President Joe Biden emphasized that this aid aims to boost Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities with the JSOW munitions.
While guided bombs have a history dating back to World War II, the JSOWs are far more sophisticated. Developed by the U.S. Navy and Air Force and entering service in 1999, they are used by various nations, including Australia, Finland, and Poland, according to RBC-Ukraine.
The U.S. has three JSOW variants: AGM-154A, AGM-154B, and AGM-154C, each with unique munitions. In contrast, Russia has relied heavily on glide bombs during the conflict, notably converting older Soviet bombs into precision-guided munitions for their campaign in eastern Ukraine.
Aviation expert Valerii Romanenko highlighted that JSOWs are a superior alternative to Russian KABS (aerial-guided bombs), stating that despite the high cost, they offer advanced capabilities compared to their Russian counterparts. He mentioned the JSOWs’ price of $500,000 and noted their effectiveness over the cheaper JDAM-ERs already used by Ukraine.
The aid package will also include HIMARS rocket systems, Javelin anti-armor systems, Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, and additional military resources, reported The Associated Press.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his gratitude to the U.S. for their ongoing support, including air defense systems and training for F-16 pilots, as noted by RBC.