The United States is providing Ukraine with long-range GPS-guided JDAM-ER bombs manufactured by Boeing that can hit targets at a distance of 70 km, Bloomberg reports, citing industry officials.
“The Pentagon hasn’t formally acknowledged it’s sending the modified version of Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munition, saying only it would send “precision aerial munitions” as part of a $1.85 billion package announced on 21 December,” the media said.
At the same time, the agency's sources confirmed that these are JDAM bombs of extended range, known as JDAM-ER.
Pentagon spokeswoman Kelly Flynn said the US won’t identify the munition, citing operational security. JDAM kits are used by the Air Force and US Navy and have been sold to over 26 countries.
The JDAM-ER can be bolted on unguided bombs weighing approximately 900 kg. Once dropped, the bomb deploys wings, allowing it to glide up to 45 miles and tripling the range of the original weapon.
On 21 February, the United States announced a new $460 million military aid package for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Armed Forces will receive additional ammunition for the Himars, artillery shells (155 mm) and mortar shells (120 mm), 4 radar systems, additional Javelin anti-tank missile systems and explosive shells, nearly 2,000 anti-tank missiles, four Bradley armoured personnel carriers, two tactical vehicles, Claymore anti-personnel mines, night vision devices, communications equipment, medical supplies, and spare parts for vehicles.