Australia transfers JDAM-ER bombs to Ukraine - mass media

Australia has transferred to Ukraine several planning aerial bombs with increased range JDAM-ER. This UNN reports with reference to the Australian defense business publication Australian Defence Magazine.

Australia has transferred several JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended-Range) planning bombs to Ukraine after they were removed from the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) inventory

Details

The Department of Defense's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, released Oct. 30, revealed that Australia has withdrawn Australian-made Mk.82 500lb JDAM-ER munitions from service in 2021, along with the decommissioning of its fleet of F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet fighters.

ADM can now confirm that at least some of these weapons were later transferred to Ukraine as part of Australia's support for the belligerent country. However, it is unclear when the ammunition was transferred to Ukraine.

It is noted that the first known use of JDAM-ER in Ukraine was by Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29s in March 2023, but the weapon was supplied by the United States. It was only in April 2024 that Australia confirmed that it had supplied Ukraine with unspecified air-to-ground munitions.

Today, we were also able to announce that we have delivered air-to-ground precision munitions to Ukraine,

In July 2024, the Department of Defense announced a further transfer of unspecified air-to-ground weapons as part of a $250 million package.

The JDAM-ER kit was developed by the Defense Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in the early 2000s in collaboration with Boeing and Ferra Engineering. Ferra Engineering is currently producing the kit under an agreement with Boeing that expires in 2028.

Supplement

In October,it was reportedthat with the next military aid package, Australia would transfer 49 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, which it plans to decommission.