JASSM-ER

The JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range) is a stealthy, long-range air-launched cruise missile used by the US military. It is newsworthy due to the Pentagon's recent order to redeploy nearly its entire inventory of these missiles from the Pacific region to the Middle East, specifically for potential use in a conflict with Iran. This order, issued in late March, involves pulling these US$1.5 million missiles from stockpiles previously allocated to the Pacific. This redeployment signals a shift in US priorities, indicating that the Middle East, particularly the conflict with Iran, is taking precedence over concerns in the Indo-Pacific region. The move highlights potential supply constraints and sends a message to both allies and adversaries about the US's current strategic focus.