Pentagon greenlights major bomb kit deal with Israel With total cost of $510 million

The United States has approved the transfer of a significant batch of JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) guidance systems to Israel, in a deal worth more than half a billion dollars, according to the U.S. Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

In a statement released by the agency, the U.S. State Department confirmed its authorisation for a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel, encompassing munitions guidance kits, support services, and related equipment with a total estimated value of $510 million, Caliber.Az reports.

The required certification has been sent to Congress.

Under the deal, Israel has requested:

• 3,845 KMU-558B/B JDAM guidance kits for BLU-109 bomb bodies, and

• 3,280 KMU-572 F/B JDAM guidance kits for MK 82 bomb bodies.

The sale also includes non-lethal items such as U.S. government and contractor-provided engineering, technical, and logistics support services, as well as other logistical elements necessary for program implementation.

According to the DSCA, the proposed sale aligns with U.S. strategic objectives in the region. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defence capability,” the statement reads.

The agency emphasised that the equipment will boost Israel’s ability to respond to current and future threats by strengthening the defence of its borders, infrastructure, and population centres. It will also enhance interoperability between Israeli and U.S. forces and contribute to the modernisation of the Israel Defence Forces.

DSCA assured that the transfer will not alter the overall military balance in the region.

The principal contractor for the JDAM kits will be The Boeing Company, based in St. Charles, Missouri. A portion of the guidance kits may come from existing U.S. government stock. At this stage, no offset agreement has been proposed in connection with the deal, but any such arrangement would be negotiated between Israel and Boeing directly.

By Tamilla Hasanova