Israel could produce JDAM-style bombs at scale within two years

Israel could begin producing its own Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs on a large scale within two years, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing information it had obtained.

The move would significantly strengthen Israel’s domestic weapons production capabilities and reduce its long-standing reliance on the United States for certain types of aerial munitions, particularly during periods of heightened military activity.

Israel began expanding domestic bomb production in late 2024 following instructions from then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and recommendations from a commission led by former Supreme Court Justice Jacob Turkel.

Amir Baram, director-general of Israel’s Defence Ministry, said additional munitions production would be developed in cooperation with Elbit Systems.

“The Defense Ministry’s central focus... is aerial munitions,” he said. “Months of preparation and early readiness have enabled the IDF to operate with virtually no constraints in Iran and Lebanon.”

“At the same time, we are now working to replenish all munitions expended to be prepared for any scenario,” he added. “The decisions we made to expand and accelerate production lines in Israel before the operation will now allow us to take production rates to the next level.”

Israel already manufactures guidance kits that convert conventional “dumb bombs” into precision-guided weapons. However, its current production capacity remains below the level required for full independence in the supply of such munitions.

By Sabina Mammadli