Australia sends retired JDAM-ER bombs to Ukraine

Australia has donated several Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended-Range (JDAM-ER) glide bombs to Ukraine following their withdrawal from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service.

The announcement comes after the release of Defence’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan on 30 October, which revealed that Australia retired its inventory of Australian-built Mk.82 500lb JDAM-ER munitions in 2021 alongside the decommissioning of the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet fleet, Caliber.Az reports, citing Australian media.

Sources confirm that at least some of these weapons were later transferred to Ukraine as part of Australia’s ongoing support for the embattled nation. However, the exact timeline of the donation remains unclear.

The first known use of JDAM-ERs in Ukraine occurred in March 2023, when Ukrainian Air Force Mig-29s deployed them, although those specific weapons were supplied by the United States. It wasn't until April 2024 that Australia officially confirmed its contribution of unspecified air-to-ground munitions to Ukraine.

During a visit to Ukraine, Minister for Defence Richard Marles stated, “We’ve also been able to announce today that we have provided to Ukraine air-to-ground precision munitions.”

In July 2024, the Australian Defence Department announced a further donation of unspecified air-to-ground weapons as part of a $250 million aid package to Ukraine.

The JDAM-ER kit, which enhances the range and precision of conventional bombs, was developed by the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in collaboration with Boeing and Ferra Engineering during the early 2000s. Ferra Engineering continues to produce the kit under an agreement with Boeing that is set to expire in 2028.

By Khagan Isayev