Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat confirmed on Friday that Ukraine already uses American JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range) satellite-guided bombs, Kyiv Independent reports.
Technically, a JDAM is a kit that is installed on a general-purpose bomb—originally the US military’s Mark-80 bomb—to turn it into a GPS-guided weapon.
They are essentially “wings” that turn simple free-fall bombs into guided munitions, improving accuracy with GPS that helps the bomb adjust its course as it nears its target.
According to Bloomberg, after launch, the bomb deploys its wings, allowing it to hover at a distance of up to 72 kilometers, which triples the range of the original weapon.
They can operate with a variety of warheads capable of detonating above ground, on the surface, or after being buried in the ground.
US Air Force General James Hecker, quoted by War Zone, said the kits were delivered to Ukraine in February as part of a $1.85 billion package announced on December 21.
Source: Hot News
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