The United States has authorized the delivery of 3,350 Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine as part of a significant $850 million military aid package, largely supported by European nations. Announced on August 23, 2025, this move substantially bolsters Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The ERAM missiles, with a range of 240 to 450 kilometers, are designed for cost-effectiveness and rapid production. Their anticipated arrival in Ukraine is approximately six weeks from the announcement. This strategic delivery follows President Donald Trump's engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, aimed at navigating the ongoing conflict.
However, the deployment of these munitions comes with stipulations. The Pentagon has instituted a review process, empowering Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to potentially veto the use of these long-range, U.S.-made weapons against targets within Russia. This oversight mirrors existing restrictions on the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) for strikes on Russian territory since late spring. The Wall Street Journal reported that this review process, developed by Pentagon policy undersecretary Elbridge Colby, also applies to European-supplied weapons reliant on U.S. intelligence and components, including British-made Storm Shadow missiles.
President Trump has expressed frustration with the protracted war, noting on August 21, 2025, that Ukraine's prospects for victory are diminished without the ability to strike Russian territory. He criticized the previous administration's approach, suggesting it favored defense over enabling counter-offensive actions. Despite these sentiments, U.S. officials have indicated that Trump's remarks do not signify an immediate policy shift away from the Pentagon's review process.
This aid package, which includes other weapon systems such as air defense platforms and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, underscores the international effort to support Ukraine. The U.S. has provided over $67 billion in military aid to Ukraine since February 2022, reflecting a sustained commitment. The ERAM, a hybrid of an air-dropped bomb and a cruise missile, was developed under a U.S. Air Force program initiated in January 2024 to create a low-cost standoff weapon. While production capacity is projected at up to 1,000 missiles annually, the delivery of the full 3,350 units could span several years unless existing stockpiles are utilized.
The strategic implications of these missile deliveries and their usage restrictions remain a focal point, with questions persisting regarding their impact on the war's trajectory and Ukraine's ability to conduct deep strikes into Russian territory. The U.S. policy highlights a delicate balance between providing robust military support and managing the risks of wider escalation with Russia.