US Air Force awards Boeing $75M initial production contract for long-range JDAM-LR

Published Aug 5, 09:31 PM UTC

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $75 million initial production contract for the long-range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM-LR), designated GBU-75. This new variant, powered by a Kratos TDI-J85 turbojet, provides a standoff range of over 300 nautical miles for a 500-pound payload, a significant increase from the standard JDAM's 15 nm and the extended-range JDAM-ER's 45 nm. Developed with the Navy and tested in April, the weapon aims to give fourth-generation aircraft a safer standoff strike capability against advanced air defenses. Retired Air Force Col. Mark Gunzinger of the Mitchell Institute called the decision overdue but valuable, noting the weapon costs far less than other stand-off munitions and can help rebuild depleted inventories. The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act includes $277 million for 1,150 upgraded JDAM guidance kits. Boeing's vice president Bob Ciesla stated the contract demonstrates the ability to deliver affordable long-range precision strike capability.