The US State Department approved a $301 million sale of advanced long-range cruise missiles to Italy on December 5, 2025, strengthening the NATO ally’s strike capabilities.[1]
The Deal
Italy will purchase 100 AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles with Extended Range (JASSM-ER) under the Foreign Military Sale approved by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.[2]
The package includes classified test equipment, KGV-135A encryption devices, spare parts, technical documentation, and logistics support services.[3]
Capability Enhancement
The JASSM-ER missiles will provide Italy with advanced stand-off strike capability for its fighter aircraft, including the F-35 Lightning II. The missiles allow aircraft to strike targets from long distances without entering heavily defended airspace.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale “will improve Italy’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing stand-off capability via advanced, long-range strike systems.”[1]
Production Details
Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida will serve as the principal contractor for the missile sale. No offset agreements have been proposed in connection with the sale.[4]
The US government stated that Italy, as a NATO ally and force for political stability in Europe, will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.[1]
