The government of the United States has authorized the possible sale of new extended-range JASSM-ER cruise missiles to equip the Italian Air Force’s stealth F-35 fighters. This is detailed in one of the recent notifications issued by the Department of State, through which it informs the U.S. Congress of the approval of the operation, framed within the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program and valued at US$301 million.
Currently, and as seen among both current and future F-35 operators, the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) seeks to enhance the long-range strike capabilities of its fifth-generation fighters. For this reason, the Italian government has followed the path taken by allies such as the Netherlands and Germany, which are already in advanced stages of their respective acquisitions.
As previously noted, the JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range) is an extended-range air-to-surface cruise missile capable of striking targets at distances of up to 1,000 km.
Produced by Lockheed Martin, it features a 450-kg WDU-42/B penetrating warhead and measures 4.3 meters in length and 550 mm in width, designed to neutralize fortified targets such as underground facilities or bunkers.
According to the report issued on December 5 by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Italian government has requested from the United States the purchase of a total of one hundred (100) new JASSM-ER cruise missiles. The package, valued at US$301 million, also includes encryption devices, spare parts, consumables, and accessories to be provided by Lockheed Martin.
The Department of State indicated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that continues to be a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”
It added: “The proposed sale will improve Italy’s ability to meet current and future threats by providing long-range strike capability through advanced long-range attack systems for employment on Italian combat aircraft, including but not limited to F-35 aircraft. Italy will have no difficulty absorbing these items and services into its armed forces.”
Lastly, it should be noted that this authorization adds to others granted to Italy over the past year. These include those announced in June and September for medium/long-range air-to-air AMRAAM missiles and short-range AIM-9X missiles, respectively.
Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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