The US AGM-188A “Rusty Dagger” missile, created for Ukraine, has been successfully integrated onto the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Defense Express reports.
Project began in 2024
The production company, Zone 5 Technologies, also said in a LinkedIn post, citing the Eglin Air Force Base announcement, that it is proud to support the rapid integration of the Rusty Dagger onto F-16 aircraft.
From testing to operational deployment of modern missile systems
Earlier this year, the Rusty Dagger cruise missile reportedly completed another successful testing phase, during which it struck a designated target with a live warhead.
The completion of integration onto F-16 fighters would mark a step toward Ukraine potentially fielding the missile operationally.
Ukraine deploys F-16 as an air defense solution against Russian Kh-101 and Kalibr missiles. The jets delivered by a European coalition in 2024 have already intercepted over 2,000 Russian drones and missiles.
Over the last week, Russia launched more than 2,360 strike drones and more than 1,320 guided aerial bombs on Ukraine over the last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. Moreover, Moscow fired nearly 60 missiles of various types against Ukrainian territory.
Development progressing toward serial production
The first batch is expected by the end of this year. Earlier reports suggested that Ukraine might have received a test batch of ERAM missiles last autumn, but there is currently no confirmed evidence of this.
Previously, Ukraine said it carried out the world's first intercept of a Russian Shahed drone using an interceptor drone launched from an unmanned surface vessel.
The operation was conducted by the naval drone division of the 412th Nemesis Brigade and adds a new layer of maritime air defense for Ukrainian cities on the Black Sea coast.
