New low-cost U.S. missiles for Ukrainian forces while Washington negotiates 'peace' with Russia

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that, over the last 24 hours, its air defense systems intercepted, for the first time, four American AGM-188A "Rusty Dagger" cruise missiles, which were developed under the ERAM program.

These missiles have a range of between 463 and 900 kilometers and are equipped with a warhead weighing between 45 and 113 kilograms. They also feature a combined guidance system and protection against electronic interference.

The United States has been developing these relatively inexpensive, long-range missiles since 2024, with the goal of supplying them to Ukraine in large numbers. The program includes the production of 3,350 units. In August 2025, by then under the Trump administration, the State Department approved their transfer to the Kyiv. The first deliveries were scheduled for October 2026.

From the outset, the design of the "Rusty Dagger" missiles was intended for unrestricted use. Their range was specifically calculated to enable Ukraine to strike strategic targets located deep within Russia.

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Source of information: Global News Agencies including REUTERS / TASS / AFP / ANADOLU / INT.RU / Al Jazeera / CNN