Reports indicate that Ukraine may have used U.S.-manufactured AGM-188A Rusty Dagger missiles in a June 22 strike against the Voronezh Semiconductor Devices Factory.
While the attack received less public attention than recent strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, analysts suggest the strategic impact may be significant. The facility is known to manufacture guidance components for Kh-101 cruise missiles, which Russia frequently uses in strikes against Ukraine.
The Rusty Dagger missile was developed under a U.S. Air Force program designed to provide F-16 fighter jets with an affordable, long-range strike capability.
The program was widely considered to be relevant to Ukraine’s operational requirements. The weapon is manufactured by Zone 5, a California-based company recently acquired by the Norwegian firm Kongsberg.
According to Forbes, Ukraine reportedly received 3,550 of these missiles for $825 million. Which would put the F-16s to great use.
At approximately $246,000 per unit, the cost is significantly lower to the good and reliable British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missile. The strike also demonstrated the operational speed of air-launched munitions compared to unmanned aerial vehicles; footage appears to show the projectile striking the roof of the factory at high velocity before detonating.
Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed the use of high-precision air-launched missiles in the operation, which resulted in a fire at the site. Satellite imagery from June 23 appears to indicate that at least two buildings at the facility sustained damage or were destroyed. Further, local Russian officials have reported five fatalities resulting from the incident.
