The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine of up to 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) air-launched missiles and associated equipment, valued at an estimated $825 million.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said it had notified Congress of the determination. Approval by the executive branch is a prerequisite for contracting but does not by itself create a binding agreement.

According to the DSCA notification, the package comprises 3,350 ERAM missiles and 3,350 embedded GPS/inertial navigation units with anti-spoofing capability, along with missile containers, pylons, mission-planning hardware and software, technical publications, training, spares and logistics support. DSCA states that the sale would improve Ukraine’s capacity for self-defence and regional security, that Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing the equipment, and that the transaction would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Funding is to draw on contributions from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway, supplemented by US Foreign Military Financing. Reuters reports that the package is being channelled via the “Jump Start” mechanism supported by those European partners. DSCA notes the allied financing in its notice.

Reuters describes ERAM as an air-launched cruise missile equipped with GPS guidance and electronic-warfare protection. One manufacturer cited by Reuters characterises the reach as “several hundred” miles, although neither the State Department nor the DSCA has published a range figure. The prime contractors listed for the programme are Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire.

DSCA characterises ERAM as an example of allied cooperation intended for a rapid delivery timeline. The inclusion of mission-planning systems and pylons indicates integration work with Ukraine’s combat aircraft, though the notification does not name specific platforms. As with all DSCA notifications, quantities and costs are presented as upper bounds and may change during contract negotiations.

European media highlighted the scale of the prospective buy. The Guardian reported that Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands plan to fund thousands of “extended-range, air-launched cruise missiles” for Ukraine as part of the US-approved package. Washington’s notification describes the items as “air delivered munitions”. Both formulations point to a standoff capability designed to enable launches from beyond the engagement envelopes of many Russian air-defence systems.

The timing of the approval coincides with continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. On the day of the DSCA notification, Reuters reported heavy strikes on Kyiv. Ukrainian officials have said they are seeking additional long-range capabilities to disrupt Russian logistics and command facilities. US officials emphasise that approval is not delivery, and the employment of new systems can be subject to agreed guidance.

The DSCA notice says the proposed sale will have no adverse impact on US defence readiness. It adds that there are no offset arrangements known at this stage, unless agreed later between Ukraine and the contractors. Implementation will not require additional US government or contractor personnel to be assigned to Ukraine.

Procedurally, DSCA notifications open a review window on Capitol Hill. If lawmakers do not object within the statutory period, the process can move to contracting and delivery scheduling. The document further states that the ERAM package supports US foreign-policy objectives by enhancing the security of a partner regarded as contributing to political stability and economic progress in Europe.

Open points include final configuration, integration timelines and detailed performance data. Reuters lists support items such as mission-planning software and technical assistance; DSCA also emphasises training and documentation, indicating a programme that will continue beyond initial deliveries. As with other Foreign Military Sales, the headline value represents a ceiling; actual costs will depend on final quantities and support elements agreed at contract. For European defence planners, the funding structure is notable, signalling continued pooling of resources for Ukraine’s long-range strike requirements. If concluded, the ERAM package would add to earlier US approvals intended to strengthen Ukraine’s air-delivered precision-strike inventory.

Main Image: US Navy, Public Domain