The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible sale to Ukraine of 1,532 Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM-ER) kits and related equipment for a total amount exceeding $370 million. This is stated in a State Department announcement, UNN reports.
The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Ukraine of JDAM-ER munitions and related equipment. The total estimated cost is $373.6 million,
It is reported that the Government of Ukraine has requested to purchase 1,200 KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits and 322 KMU-556 JDAM tail kits.
The following items will also be included:
- FMU-139 fuze systems;
- JDAM support equipment;
- spare and repair parts, consumables, and accessories, as well as repair and return support;
- weapons software and support equipment;
- classified and unclassified publications and technical documentation;
- transportation support;
- studies and surveys;
- U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics services; and other related elements of logistical and program support.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe. The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing additional means for self-defense and regional security through enhanced air defense capabilities. Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. This proposed sale will not have an adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness,
It is noted that the principal contractor will be the Boeing Company, located in St. Louis, Missouri.
For reference
JDAMs are GPS-based guidance kits that convert unguided free-fall bombs into all-weather precision-guided munitions.
The kit includes an inertial navigation system and a GPS receiver to enhance accuracy, and a tail section with steerable fins. This allows the bomb to adjust its course during flight to the target. The unit houses navigation and other equipment.
In the ER (Extended Range) version, a wing kit is added, allowing the bomb to glide to the target, increasing the operational range. When launched from high altitude, the range for striking targets is up to 72.4 kilometers.
As a reminder
On the night of May 5, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out strikes on a number of Russia's military-economic infrastructure facilities, including the "VNIIR-Progress" plant in Cheboksary and the "Kirishi" oil refinery in the Leningrad region.