The Wall Street Journal reported last weekend, citing two US officials, that the Biden administration has approved the sale of 3,350 air-launched ERAM missiles to Ukraine. Deliveries are expected to begin within the next month.

The $850 million contract is largely funded by European countries. The deal was reportedly delayed until after President Biden met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Illustration of the ERAM missile design. Graphic: USAF

Several unnamed US officials stated that Ukraine will require Pentagon approval for each ERAM missile launch. The Pentagon has reportedly established a new approval process to determine whether Ukraine can use US-made long-range weapons or European-supplied weapons that rely on US intelligence and components.

This process has prevented Ukraine from firing Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russian territory since late spring, according to US officials.

Neither the Pentagon nor the US State Department has commented on the report.

According to Ukrainian media, the ERAM missile was developed as part of a US Air Force project initiated in 1/2024 to create an affordable and easily manufactured long-range weapon for both the US and Ukraine.

The ERAM is described as a hybrid between a cruise missile and a bomb, with a speed of at least 763 km/h, a weight of 227 kg, and an accuracy of approximately 10 m. The missile has a range of 240-450 km, significantly exceeding the 300 km range of the ATACMS, currently the longest-range strike weapon the US has provided to Ukraine.

"The ERAM will provide the Ukrainian air force with the capability to strike targets beyond the reach of many weapons currently in service, including Western-supplied glide bombs," said Joseph Trevithick, editor of the military website War Zone.

An ATACMS missile launches during a test in the US in December 2021. Photo: US Army

The ERAM missile can carry various seekers, including the Quicksink guidance system designed for anti-ship missions. Discussions are also underway regarding its potential conversion into a cost-effective air defense weapon against unmanned aerial vehicles.

Information about the ERAM project first surfaced in mid-2024, indicating that the program was designed to meet Ukraine's operational needs. The developer was required to start production within 24 months of the contract signing. The impending delivery of ERAM missiles suggests that production has accelerated beyond the initial schedule.

The projected maximum production is 1,000 ERAM missiles per year, meaning it will take several years for the US to deliver all 3,350 missiles to Ukraine. The number of missiles in the first batch remains unclear.

Pham Giang (According to WSJ, United24, War Zone)