Boeing Secures $7.4 Billion Defense Deal for Advanced JDAM Tail Kits from Pentagon
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has granted Boeing, a prominent American defense manufacturer, a $7.4 billion contract for the provision of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits.
This represents an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, indicating that the precise number of kits is not established in advance, with deliveries anticipated to persist until February 2030.
The agreement encompasses the supply of several JDAM components:
- Tail kits for varying bomb sizes (MK-82, MK-83, MK-84)
- Replacement parts
- Repair kits
- Laser JDAM sensor kits
This contract follows closely after the State Department sanctioned a potential Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with Canada for JDAM systems valued at $96.4 million (Canadian $132 million).
Canada sought additional JDAM tail kits (including KMU-572, KMU-556, and KMU-557 variants) to enhance a prior FMS arrangement.
JDAM: A Pillar of Precision Strike Capability
Conceived by Boeing, JDAM tail kits convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. These kits incorporate an inertial navigation system (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) for accurate targeting, allowing compatibility with a range of bomb sizes (from 500lb to 2,000lb).
Highlighted features of JDAM include:
- Long-range capability: JDAM can be deployed from over 15 miles away from the target.
- Exceptional accuracy: The system boasts a reliability rate exceeding 95% and achieves a circular error probability (CEP) of less than 1.7 meters, outperforming the 3.3-meter requirement.
- Widespread application: JDAM has been in production since 1998 and remains essential for U.S. and allied air forces. With over 500,000 units manufactured, it has also enjoyed significant international sales.
- Continuous enhancement: Advanced JDAM versions are currently in development, including powered variants that extend the munition’s range beyond 70 kilometers.
