US approves $6.75bn sale of aerial bombs to Israel
Washington has approved the possible sale of ammunition, guidance systems and detonators to Israel. Congress has already received an official notification, and the deal is worth $6.75 billion.
Here's What We Know
The package includes more than two thousand GBU-39/B small diameter bombs, almost three thousand MK 82 bomb casings and 13 thousand JDAM guidance kits for MK-84 bombs. It also provides for the transfer of more than three thousand JDAM kits for BLU-109 bombs, thousands of guidance kits for GBU-38v1 and almost 18 thousand FMU-152A/B fuzes.
GBU-39 guided aerial bomb of the SDB family. Illustration: Metrea Simulations
In addition, Israel will receive additional defence equipment, including detonators, bomb components and logistical support. Deliveries are expected in 2025. The US government has stated that this sale will help strengthen Israel's self-defence and its ability to withstand challenges in the region.
The ammunition will come from US warehouses, if available, as well as from defence contractors, including Boeing, ATK Tactical Systems, L3Harris Fuzing and Ordnance Systems, and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant. Israel already uses similar weapons, so its integration will not be a problem.
Source: Defence Industry Europe