TechGermany edges closer to JASSM-ER acquisition amid Ukraine missile debate

Germany edges closer to JASSM-ER acquisition amid Ukraine missile debate

According to the German newspaper Bild, local authorities are closer to finalizing the purchase of JASSM-ER. This reignites the discussion about their reluctance to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles. We explain what this weapon is.

F-35, illustrative photo
F-35, illustrative photo
Images source: © GETTY | NurPhoto
Mateusz Tomczak

21 March 2024 14:44

JASSM-ER and Taurus are long-range cruise missiles. Germany had already taken initial steps in 2022 to acquire JASSM-ER from the United States. They are to be part of a larger transaction that includes the purchase of F-35 fighters and the weapons that can be carried by these aircraft.

Germany buys JASSM-ER

However, the purchase of JASSM-ER did not go as smoothly as that of other missiles. Bild editors believe that the agreement associated with them will be finalized in the autumn of this year. They add that the German authorities have decided to order 75 JASSM-ER cruise missiles.

JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile) is an air-launched cruise missile with reduced detectability, produced by the American company Lockheed Martin. JASSM-ER is an enhanced variant, developed in response to the need for weapons with increased range. In this case, it is about 1000 kilometres, achieved partly by having a space that holds more fuel.

The JASSM-ER missile is characterized by a length of 4.3 metres and a weight of about 1200 kilograms. The warhead used in them, however, stands out with a weight of 450 kilograms.

Germany refuses to supply Ukraine with Taurus missiles

Taurus cruise missiles have similar dimensions and weight, however, they utilize a 500 kilograms MEPHISTO (Multi-Effect Penetrator, Highly Sophisticated, and Target Optimised) warhead and provide a striking range up to 500 kilometres.

For many months, there has been a discussion in Germany about supplying them to Ukraine. Some politicians are opposed to it. In March of this year, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz unequivocally stated that Germany would support Ukraine with this weapon.

According to Bild journalists, discussions between Berlin and Washington regarding the JASSM-ER missiles will not change the German authorities' approach to the Taurus missiles and Ukraine. American weapons are seen as a potential successor to German missiles, but only in the long-term perspective.

"In the longer term, the purchase of JASSM cruise missiles may lead to them replacing the current Taurus in the arsenal of the German air forces" – it was written in the article.

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