U.S. Approves $510M Sale of JDAM Guidance Kits to Israel

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel for Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits and associated support, with an estimated cost of $510 million.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has officially notified Congress of the proposed deal.

The Government of Israel has requested to purchase 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. These kits convert conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions.

Non-Major Defense Equipment (non-MDE) items included in the proposed sale are U.S. government and contractor engineering, logistics, technical support services, and other related program assistance.

According to the DSCA, "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-defense capability." The proposed sale is intended to help Israel address current and future security threats and strengthen its ability to defend its borders, infrastructure, and population centers.

The Boeing Company, based in St. Charles, Missouri, will serve as the principal contractor. Some of the JDAM kits may be sourced from U.S. government stockpiles. No offset agreements are currently associated with this sale, although such agreements may be negotiated directly between Israel and Boeing.