Lockheed Martin and the Israeli Air Force tested F-35 Lightning II fighter jets with JDAM bombs outside the US for the first time

This week, the Israeli Air Force not only received three F-35I Adir aircraft, but also conducted an important test with the fifth-generation fighters.

Here's What We Know

As part of an effort to expand the operational capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II, Israel conducted tests with JDAM smart bombs. The munitions were suspended from the outer pylons of the Israeli version of the fifth-generation fighter, called the F-35I Adir.

Lockheed Martin specialists took part in the test. This is the first such test conducted outside the United States.

JDAM or Joint Direct Attack Munition is an aerodynamic GPS guidance kit that turns conventional bombs into highly accurate ones. The JDAM-ER modification can have a maximum launch range of 75 kilometres.

The JDAM is a set of wings and tail unit. The wings are attached to the centre section of the munition. The tail unit has a plumage, which provides manoeuvring capability.

Source: @IAFsite