US to transfer modified JDAM bombs to Ukraine

The Pentagon has signed a contract with Scientific Applications and Research Associates (SARA), which provides for the acquisition of sensors to search for REB equipment and the integration of longer-range homing heads on JDAM-ER guided bombs. In the future, the improved weaponry will be transferred to the Ukrainian forces. This is reported by The Warzone.

Under the contract, Scientific Applications and Research Associates will receive $23 million for the "acquisition of Home-on GPS jamming seekers" and their integration into Joint Direct Attack Munition kits. Under the terms of the contract, at least part of the kits will go to Ukraine. The quantity of ammunition and the terms of their delivery were not disclosed.

Such a weapon system will allow Ukrainian servicemen to strike at enemy REB systems," the newspaper said.

As explained by the US Deputy Secretary of Defence for Procurement and Support Bill LaPlante, the GLSDB previously delivered to Ukraine proved to be extremely poor in the conditions of the war in Ukraine. In particular, the performance of the weapon was affected by the use of electronic warfare by Russian troops.

Ukrainian troops have been using JDAM-ER bombs on the battlefield since at least the summer of 2023. MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters are used to strike with this type of weapon.

Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) are aerial bombs retrofitted with an aerodynamic precision-guidance kit. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided to the target by an integrated inertial guidance system paired with a GPS receiver.

The range of the improved version of the munition, called JDAM-ER, can reach up to 75 kilometres.