Boeing Gets Green Light for Production of New Long-Range Guided Bomb

The US Air Force has given Boeing the green light to start producing its new long-range JDAM LR guided bomb. The precision-guided munition is capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 550 kilometers with a 500-pound warhead.

Boeing was awarded a $75 million contract for the procurement of BSU-111/B payload delivery modules, a key component of the JDAM LR system. This contract paves the way for initial serial production of the munitions for the US Navy.

The new bomb combines the existing JDAM guidance system with a wing kit and a compact turbojet engine, significantly increasing its flight range. According to Boeing, this enables strikes against land and maritime targets, as well as the deployment of naval mines at long distances while remaining outside the range of enemy air defenses.

The contract is a major milestone for the JDAM LR program, demonstrating Boeing's ability to deliver long-range precision-strike capability at a significantly lower cost. 'This first production contract is a major milestone for the JDAM LR program,' said Bob Ciesla, vice president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems.