As part of a new $375 million aid package, the United States will provide Ukraine with American Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) cruise bombs capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 110 km. This is the first case of handing over such bombs to the Ukrainian military, informs ABC News with reference to a Pentagon official.
These high-precision munitions are intended for installation on F-16 fighters, which are already in service in Ukraine. The special feature of JSOW is the presence of retractable wings, which allow them to cover a distance of up to 70 miles (approximately 110 km) after being dropped from an aircraft. According to the American official, Ukraine will receive a version of the bombs equipped with cluster munitions.
In addition, ABC sources report that the United States will soon announce a new aid package to Ukraine worth more than $2 billion as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI). Unlike the previous $350 million package, which included the transfer of weapons from existing U.S. stockpiles, the USAI funds are earmarked for contracts to purchase arms and ammunition, which could take months or even years.
What is known about JSOW bombs
JSOW bombs, weighing around 500 kg, are highly accurate glide bombs that are often mistaken for missiles. The main difference is that the missile is launched from a carrier, while the JSOW is designed to be dropped from aircraft. The cluster version of these bombs, which Ukraine receives, contains 145 submunitions weighing 1.5 kg each, which have a combined cumulative and fragmentation effect.
Analysts note that the use of JSOW can be a significant advantage for the Ukrainian military, allowing strikes at a significant distance and avoiding the threat of Russian air defense. This significantly increases the capabilities of the Air Force of Ukraine in confronting the aggressor and effectively protecting its territories.
