US Approval of 3,350 ERAM Transfer to Ukraine
On 28 August, U.S. officials approved the transfer of 3,350 Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAMs) to Ukraine. The authorization, reported in the wake of high-level talks involving U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian leaders, was part of roughly an $850 million security aid package funded mainly by Ukraine’s European allies. The first ERAM are expected to arrive in Ukraine within about six weeks.
The principal contractors on the procurement will be Zone 5 Technologies and CoAspire. ERAM is an air-launched munition which offers a relatively low-cost standoff strike capability. The DSCA notice notes:
“The Government of Ukraine has requested to buy up to three thousand three hundred fifty (3,350) Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles and three thousand three hundred fifty (3,350) Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) (EGI) with Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM), Y-Code, or M-Code.”
As a standoff strike weapon, ERAM extends Ukraine’s offensive reach with a reported range of 150-280 miles – the top end of this estimate puts it near to SCALP/Storm Shadow in capability. An earlier request for information (RFI) from industry called for a munition with a 500lb warhead with a 50% Circular Error Probablity (CEP) within 10m. Western-supplied F-16 fighters and other jets can carry the munition, enabling them to target Russian logistical hubs, ammunition depots, and command centers from a considerable distance outside Russia’s dense air defenses. ERAM lets Ukrainian pilots engage high-value targets while keeping aircraft safe from medium range air defense systems. This could force Russian forces to relocate supply and command nodes deeper into rear areas.
Strategically, the ERAM package underscores NATO solidarity and burden-sharing. European nations, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway as well as Foreign Military Financing from the United States will underwrite most of the approximately $850 million package, signal a strong commitment to Ukraine’s defense while co-managing the risk of escalation. U.S. officials have emphasized that the transfer includes strict caveats: each ERAM launch must obtain Pentagon approval to confirm adherence to agreed targeting limits. These safeguards are intended to empower Kyiv’s deep-strike capability while preventing unintended strikes on Russian territory.
Official reactions have been cautious with the White House’s press secretary noting there is “no change in military posture despite the new aid”, even as President Trump publicly argued Ukraine must “play offense” to win the war. ERAM may be one of the most consequential weapons deliveries to date, but its ultimate impact will hinge on how effectively Ukraine integrates the munitions and follows the U.S.-mandated approval process.
Header image: Render of CoAspire’s Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile (CoAspire)