The Extended Range Attack Munition will be tested in combat against Russia.

In a major boost to Ukraine’s military capabilities, the United States Air Force (USAF) is developing the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), a new, low-cost precision-guided missile designed to enhance stand-off attack options, according to a recent USAF contracting notice seen by The WarZone magazine.

ERAM is a 500-pound-class precision-guided munition with a range of up to 250 miles, traveling at speeds of at least Mach 0.6. It features an inertial navigation system capable of operating in GPS-denied environments, ensuring accurate targeting despite electronic warfare threats. The missile has a Circular Error Probable of 10 meters, meaning it strikes within 33 feet of its target at least 50% of the time.

A key innovation in ERAM is the planned integration of the Quicksink seeker, a dual-mode design, combining radar and imaging infrared technology. The radar ensures performance in all weather conditions, while the IIR camera is resistant to electronic warfare, providing enhanced target discrimination.

Quicksink has already demonstrated its ability to guide bombs to optimal impact points against maritime targets, a capability that will be crucial if ERAM is used in an anti-ship role.

The initiative underscores the growing demand for affordable, high-precision weapons in modern warfare, the notice says.

As Ukraine continues to rely on Western military support, ERAM presents a valuable addition to its arsenal. The missile’s combination of long-range precision and affordability could help Ukrainian forces target both land and maritime threats while preserving more expensive munitions for higher-priority operations.

NATO allies Denmark and the Netherlands are also involved in the program.

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