Biden allows transfer of JSOW tactical missiles to Ukraine

U.S. President Joe Biden has decided to transfer Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) tactical missiles to Ukraine.

This is stated in a statement from the White House.

«In order to enhance Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, I have decided to provide Ukraine with long-range Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) munitions,» Biden stated.

The AGM-154 JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapon) is a tactical missile that functions as a guided cruise missile. Its warhead can weigh up to 450 kilograms, with a maximum range of 64 km.

Biden noted that this decision was made to «strengthen Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.» Additionally, he instructed the Pentagon to distribute the remaining balance of funds allocated for security assistance to Ukraine by the end of his term. The U.S. Department of Defense will disburse the remaining funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative by the end of this year.

As a reminder, the United States has agreed to provide Ukraine with a new defense assistance package totaling $7.9 billion. This announcement was made by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

«I am grateful to U.S. President Joseph Biden, the U.S. Congress and its two parties, Republicans and Democrats, as well as the entire American people for today’s announcement of significant defense assistance to Ukraine, totaling $7.9 billion, along with the imposition of sanctions against Russia,» Zelenskyy said.

The aid package will include:

• An additional Patriot air defense battery
• Other air defense equipment and interceptors
• Drones
• Long-range missiles and air-to-ground munitions
• Funds to strengthen Ukraine’s defense industrial base

Additionally, the U.S. will expand programs to train more Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16 fighter jets.

«I also appreciate the decision to expand programs to train more of our pilots to fly the F-16, as well as the strong sanctions imposed to further limit Russia’s ability to finance its aggression against Ukraine,» Zelenskyy wrote.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine and the United States remain close allies committed to defending freedom, human life, and common security in Europe and beyond.

Military aid for Ukraine

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden announced the allocation of $375 million in military aid for Ukraine, as reported by the White House.

The Pentagon revealed the contents of this aid package, which includes:

• Air-to-ground munitions
• Ammunition for HIMARS systems
• 155 mm and 105 mm artillery ammunition
• TOW heavy anti-tank guided missiles
• Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems
• M1117 armored personnel carriers
• MRAP armored vehicles
• Light tactical vehicles
• Armored bridge systems
• Small arms
• Patrol boats
• Demining equipment and ammunition
• Spare parts, auxiliary equipment, services, training, and other transport

This is the 66th tranche of assistance from the Biden administration, provided from U.S. Department of Defense stockpiles since August 2021.