We are talking about GPS-guided ammunition manufactured by Boeing Co., capable of hitting targets at a distance of more than 72 kilometers.
The Pentagon has not formally acknowledged that it is sending a modified version of the joint direct-fire munition to Boeing, saying only that it will send “precision-guided airborne munitions” as part of a $1.85 billion package announced on December 21. . “But two people familiar with the matter have confirmed that it is a Jdam extended-range weapon known as the Jdam-ER.”
In turn, Pentagon spokeswoman Kelly Flynn said the United States would not identify the munitions for operational security reasons. Jdam kits are used by the US Air Force and Navy and have been sold to over 26 countries.
The Jdam-ER can be attached to unguided bombs weighing between 200 and 900 kilograms. Once released, the bomb expands its wings, allowing it to glide up to 45 miles and triple the range of the original weapon. The Jdam Extended Range Bomb was developed in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force.
Boeing is known to have received a $40.5 million order from the Air Force on January 20 under an existing Jdam contract.
We add that JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) is a set of equipment based on GPS technology that allows you to turn free-fall bombs into all-weather correctable “smart” munitions. The first game was released in 1997 by Boeing.
