Trump Approves 3,350 ERAM Missiles for Ukraine

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The Trump administration has approved the sale of 3,350 Extended Range Active Missiles (ERAM) to Ukraine, with delivery expected in roughly six weeks, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The $850 million arms package is largely financed by European governments. Its transfer was delayed until after President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. officials told the Journal.

Some American officials noted that deploying ERAM missiles, which have a range of 240 to 450 kilometers, may require additional Pentagon approval.

While the U.S. has not officially announced plans for further ERAM shipments, other weapons purchased by European allies from the U.S. could still support Ukraine. These include air defense systems and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, capable of striking targets up to 145 kilometers away.

The SM-6 ERAM is a versatile U.S.-made guided surface-to-air missile developed from the Standard Missile family as part of the Aegis air and missile defense system. Its capabilities extend beyond aerial targets to ballistic missiles in their terminal phase and even surface ships. 

Equipped with both an active radar-homing seeker and ship-based radar guidance, the SM-6 can engage fast-moving targets at long distances. The missile can travel over 240 kilometers and reach speeds of up to Mach 3.5. Since its introduction in 2013, the missile has undergone multiple upgrades to enhance performance against hypersonic threats.

The SM-6 is launched from Mk 41 vertical-launch system (VLS) platforms on Aegis-class cruisers and destroyers. Its ability to combine anti-air, anti-missile, and anti-ship functions has earned it the nickname “three-in-one missile.”

Earlier this year, media reports indicated the U.S. temporarily suspended shipments of precision-guided missiles and Patriot air defense system ammunition to Ukraine. The Trump administration stated the pause was intended to review U.S. stockpiles, which had been significantly depleted.

Sources reported that the halt resulted from a shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles. The final decision was reportedly issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth without prior notice to Congress or President Trump.

The approval of the ERAM missile sale signals a renewed commitment by the U.S. and its European partners to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions.