American defense company Lockheed Martin has announced the development of a new cruise missile, the JASSM-XR, which is an upgraded version of the existing JASSM-ER. The main difference of the new missile is a significant increase in flight range to 1600 kilometers, which is almost twice the performance of the previous model. Previous-generation JASSM missiles had a range of up to 360 and 980 kilometers, depending on the modification, and are already actively used in the weapons of the United States and its allies.

According to the company, JASSM-XR (Extended Range) will be an important element for long-range precision strikes against key targets. The increased range will allow these missiles to be used at much greater distances from the combat zone, significantly reducing the risk to pilots and carrier aircraft.

Previous models, such as the JASSM with a range of up to 360 kilometers, have been proposed as weapons for F-16 fighters that could be supplied to Ukraine, but a final decision has not yet been made.