US Air Force awards Boeing $75M contract for JDAM-LR with 300+ nm range

Published Aug 5, 09:31 PM UTC

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $75 million production contract for the long-range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM-LR), designated GBU-75. This new variant, developed with the Navy, features a Kratos TDI-J85 turbojet providing 200 pounds of thrust, extending its stand-off range to over 300 nautical miles for a 500-pound payload—a significant increase from the standard JDAM's 15 nautical miles. The weapon completed flight testing in April 2025. The contract aims to provide affordable mass capability for fourth-generation aircraft and bombers, addressing risks from improved adversary air defenses. The 2027 National Defense Authorization Act includes $277 million for 1,150 upgraded JDAM guidance kits. This procurement supports rebuilding munitions stocks depleted during operations like Epic Fury, and complements the Air Force's Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program.