How does the AGM-158B JASSM-ER counter Russia's S-400 when attacking Syria?

AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile launched from B-1 strategic bomber.

In the airstrike on April 14, the US B-1B Lancer strategic bomber launched 19 AGM-158B JASSM-ER long-range cruise missiles at a scientific research facility near the capital Damascus, Syria.

According to military expert Dave Majumdar, the US's use of cruise missiles launched from strategic bombers has many meanings, instead of just using Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Firstly, the US is asserting its strong military development by converting the functions of strategic bombers such as B-1 and B-52 to the ability to launch tactical missiles.

In today's combat environment, bombers like the B-1 and B-52 cannot survive against advanced air defense systems. That's why the B-1B has begun to carry out long-range missile launch missions.

Second, Russia maintains a strong force in Syria, including the most modern S-300 and S-400 air defense systems. In case of retaliation from Russian or Syrian air defense systems, the only way for the US to attack targets from bombers is to use AGM-158B JASSM-ER.

Cruise missiles launched from strategic bombers

JASSM missiles are considered the nemesis of S-300 and S-400.

The AGM-158B JASSM-ER is an upgraded variant of the AGM-158 JASSM long-range attack cruise missile, which has been in production since 1998. The missile is specialized in attacking important targets such as command posts and strategic warehouses located deep underground.

JASSM-ER uses the "fire and forget" principle and is immune to jamming systems to be able to approach and attack targets at sea. One of the most important improvements of the missile is that it can update target data during flight, significantly increasing flexibility when attacking long-range targets.

JASSM operates using the global positioning system (GPS) and inertial navigation system to locate important enemy targets during its flight. In the terminal phase, the missile uses an infrared seeker to accurately detect a specific target before destroying it.

The missile is 4.26 meters long, 550mm in diameter, and weighs 1,023kg when launched. It is equipped with a 432kg penetrating warhead and has a standard range of 370km. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER version increases the range to 1,000km.

The AGM-158B JASSM manufacturing project costs up to 3 billion USD while each missile costs 1.4 million USD.

US carrier-based fighters could also be equipped with the AGM-158B JASSM-ER.

The B-1B, B-2 Spirit and B-52 strategic bombers use the AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles in the most complex attack missions. In addition, the US can also equip this modern missile model for F-15E, F-16, F/A-18 and F-35 fighter jets taking off from aircraft carriers.

The nemesis of S-300, S-400

The development of modern weapons systems is like a race towards mutual suppression. The appearance of tanks led to the development of anti-tank weapons, the appearance of aircraft led to the birth of anti-aircraft missiles.

As air defense weapons gained superiority over aircraft, the US set out to develop a comparable weapon, and that is how the first version of the AGM-154 JSOW was born.

The AGM-154 was then just a smart glide bomb with a maximum range of about 130 km when dropped at high altitude.

When Russia upgraded the range of the S-300 complex to up to 200 km, the US also launched the AGM-158 JASSM.

JASSM is currently the cruise missile that integrates the most advanced technology in the world today. Compared to the AGM-154, the AGM-158 becomes a ground-attack cruise missile, not just a smart bomb.

The missile body is designed with stealth capabilities, allowing it to penetrate areas with dense air defense networks.

With a standard range of 370 km, the missile far exceeds the interception capability of the Russian-made S-300 air defense system. In the AGM-158B JASSM-ER version, the missile's range is extended to 1,000 km, exceeding the interception range of the S-400 complex (400 km).

That means Russian air defense systems would be in a passive state, unable to intercept bombers before they launch missiles.

Strategic bombers can launch decoy missiles to lure the S-400 into activating, then launch JASSM-ER, making this weapon one of the most effective missiles against Russian air defense systems.

Not only stopping at the ability to counter Russian air defense systems, JASSM-ER also helps the US Navy gain an advantage in the Pacific front.

This missile helps the US counter the DF-21D or DF-26 medium-range ballistic missiles that China has put into combat. That is the reason why the US equips JASSM-ER for F-16 and F/A-18 carrier-based fighters when facing Chinese missiles.