The US Air Force announced that the extended range attack missile (ERAM) test, conducted by the 96th test wing at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida late last month, met all primary objectives, including complete warhead detonation.

Data collected from the test will refine ERAM's design. This precision-guided weapon aims to enable the US military to strike high-value targets at long distances cost-effectively.

Stephen Losey, editor of US military news site Defense News, described ERAM as a "rapidly developed" weapon. The test occurred approximately 16 months after the US Air Force awarded contracts and requested swift completion of the system to enhance deterrence capabilities.

The ERAM missile strikes a target during a test at Eglin Air Force Base on 21/1. Photo: USAF

The ERAM missile strikes a target during a test at Eglin Air Force Base on 21/1. Photo: USAF

"Moving from contract to live-fire testing in less than two years shows we can develop highly lethal and cost-effective weapons", said Major General Robert Lyons III, head of US Air Force acquisition.

Major General Mark Massaro, commander of the 96th test wing, stated that future conflicts demand the US create an asymmetric advantage by developing cost-effective and attritable weapons in large quantities, such as ERAM. "This test is a significant milestone in that effort", he added.

ERAM is described as a hybrid weapon combining a cruise missile and a guided bomb. It boasts a range of up to 450 km, a speed exceeding 690 km/h, and carries a 230 kg warhead. The US military expects to deploy ERAM by the end of this year.

The US government has approved the sale of ERAM to Ukraine. The US Department of State approved a potential deal in 8/2025 to sell Ukraine a total of 3,350 ERAM units, along with integrated GPS guidance and navigation systems, valued at approximately 825 million USD.

By Nguyen Tien (According to AP, AFP, Defense News)