Boeing received nearly $7.5 billion to produce JDAM kits, including $228.8 million for foreign customers
The US Air Force has ordered equipment from Boeing to turn conventional bombs into guided weapons known as JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions). This was announced on the official website of the US Department of Defence.
Here's What We Know
Boeing will supply the tail kits and other equipment under a single, fixed-price contract. The amount is almost $7.5bn. The work will take place until the end of February 2030 at the company's plant in St Louis, Missouri.
The number of JDAM kits has not been disclosed by Boeing or the US Air Force at this time. However, it is known that part of the deliveries will fall to the U.S. Navy and foreign customers ($228.8 million).
The JDAM tail unit contains a navigation system and a GPS guidance control unit. This equipment allows for precision strikes even in bad weather. The cost per JDAM kit typically ranges from $25,000 to $84,000 depending on lot size.
The contract was awarded amid defence contractors facing shortages in manpower and materials to increase the supply of some munitions. In addition, the Pentagon is now concerned about its own ability to stockpile ammunition while continuing to supply Ukraine, Taiwan, and Israel.
Source: DoD
