Editing Joint Direct Attack Munition (section)

==History==
===Development===
[[File:US Navy 030319-N-4142G-020 Ordnance handlers assemble Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs in the forward mess decks.jpg|thumb|U.S. Navy sailors attach a JDAM kit aboard the {{USS|Constellation|CV-64}}, March 2003.]]

The [[U.S. Air Force]]'s bombing campaign during the [[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]] was less effective than initially reported, in part because it had no precision bombs that were accurate in all types of weather. Laser guidance packages on bombs proved exceptionally accurate in clear conditions, but amid airborne [[dust]], [[smoke]], [[fog]], or [[cloud]] cover, they had difficulty maintaining "lock" on the laser designation. Research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E) of an "adverse weather precision guided munition" began in 1992. Several proposals were considered, including a radical concept that used GPS.<ref name="OCD"/>

At the time, there were few GPS satellites and the idea of using satellite navigation for real-time weapon guidance was untested and controversial. To identify the technical risk associated with an INS/GPS guided weapon, the Air Force created in early 1992 a rapid-response High Gear program called the "JDAM Operational Concept Demonstration" (OCD) at Eglin Air Force Base. [[Honeywell]], Interstate Electronics Corporation, Sverdrup Technology, and [[General Dynamics]] were hired to help the USAF 46th Test Wing demonstrate the feasibility of a GPS weapon within one year. The OCD program fitted a GBU-15 guided bomb with an INS/GPS guidance kit and on 10 February 1993, dropped the first INS/GPS weapon from an F-16 on a target {{convert|88000|ft|km}} downrange. Five more tests were run in various weather conditions, altitudes, and ranges.<ref name="OCD">INS/GPS Operational Concept Demonstration (OCD) High Gear Program, IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 8 August 1994.</ref> The OCD program demonstrated a {{convert|11|m|ft|order=flip|adj=on}} [[Circular Error Probable]] (CEP).

[[File:First gps weapon OCD.jpg|thumb|The first flight test of the first GPS-guided weapon resulted in a direct hit on a target at [[Eglin Air Force Base]] on 10 February 1993.]]

The first JDAM kits were delivered in 1997, with operational testing conducted in 1998 and 1999. During testing, over 450 JDAMs were dropped achieving a system reliability in excess of 95% with a published accuracy under {{convert|10|m|ft|order=flip|adj=on}} CEP.<ref name="Boeing PR">{{Cite web|last=Davis|first=Charles H.|title=JDAM: The Kosovo Experience and DPAS|publisher=The Boeing Company|date=19 April 2000|url=http://guidebook.dcma.mil/38/dpas/12DavisPres.pdf|access-date=2007-09-01|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926192856/http://guidebook.dcma.mil/38/dpas/12DavisPres.pdf|archive-date=26 September 2007}}</ref> In addition to controlled parameter drops, the testing and evaluation of the JDAM also included "operationally representative tests" consisting of drops through clouds, rain and snow with no decrease in accuracy from clear-weather tests. In addition, there have been tests involving multiple weapon drops with each weapon being individually targeted.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 September 2003 |title=U.S. Air Force B-2 Bomber Drops 80 JDAMS in Historic Test |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2003-09-17-U.S.-Air-Force-B-2-Bomber-Drops-80-JDAMS-in-Historic-Test |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230926191112/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2003-09-17-U.S.-Air-Force-B-2-Bomber-Drops-80-JDAMS-in-Historic-Test |archive-date=26 September 2023 |access-date=2 September 2007 |website=Boeing}}</ref>

[[File:Ex-Schenectady (LST-1185) sinking.jpg|thumb|right|Ex-[[USS Schenectady (LST-1185)|''Schenectady'' (LST-1185)]] damaged by seven 2,000-pound JDAMs during USAF exercise Resultant Fury in November 2004.]]
JDAM and the [[B-2 Spirit]] stealth bomber made their combat debuts during [[Operation Allied Force]]. The B-2s, flying 30-hour, nonstop, round-trip flights from [[Whiteman Air Force Base]], [[Missouri]], delivered more than 650 JDAMs during Allied Force. An article published in the ''Acquisition Review Journal'' in 2002 cites that "during Operation Allied Force ... B-2s launched 651 JDAMs with 96% reliability and hit 87% of intended targets..."<ref name="ARQJDAM">{{cite journal |last=Myers |first=Dominique |year=2002 |title=Acquisition Reform-Inside The Silver Bullet |url=http://www.dau.mil/pubs/arq/2002arq/MyersFL02.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Acquisition Review Journal |volume=IX |issue=Fall 2002 |pages=312–322 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926194415/http://www.dau.mil/pubs/arq/2002arq/MyersFL02.pdf |archive-date=26 September 2007 |access-date=1 September 2007}}</ref> Due to the operational success of the original JDAM, the program expanded to the {{convert|500|lb|kg|adj=on}} Mark 82 and {{convert|1000|lb|kg|adj=on}} [[Mark 83 bomb|Mark 83]], beginning development in late 1999. As a result of lessons from [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] and [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]], both the [[US Navy]] and US Air Force pursued improvements to the kits such as better GPS accuracy as well as a precision seeker for terminal guidance for use against moving targets.

JDAM bombs are inexpensive compared to alternatives such as [[cruise missile]]s. The original cost estimate was $40,000 each for the tail kits; however, after competitive bidding, contracts were signed with McDonnell Douglas (later [[Boeing]]) for delivery at $18,000 each. Unit costs, in current-year dollars, have since increased to $21,000 in 2004 and $27,000 by 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Air Force Justification Book Procurement of Ammunition, Air Force|url=http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110211-035.pdf|work=Department of Defense Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Budget Estimates|publisher=US Air Force|access-date=29 December 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111215152358/http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110211-035.pdf|archive-date=15 December 2011}}</ref> To the cost of the tail kit should be added the costs of the Mk80-series iron bomb, the fuze and proximity sensor which bring the overall weapon cost to about $30,000. For comparison, the newest Tomahawk cruise missile, dubbed the [[BGM-109 Tomahawk|Tactical Tomahawk]], costs nearly $730,000 (FY 2006).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grier |first=Peter |date=1 September 2006 |title=The JDAM Revolution |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0906jdam/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531154253/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/article/0906jdam/ |archive-date=31 May 2023 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BGM-109 Tomahawk - Tomahawk Variants |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/bgm-109-var.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326081404/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/bgm-109-var.htm |archive-date=26 March 2023 |website=Global Security}}</ref>

===Operational use===
[[File:Falcon JDAM LGBs (1).jpg|thumb|JDAMs loaded under the left wing of an [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]], with a [[LITENING targeting pod|LITENING II]] Targeting Pod visible beneath the fuselage]]

Guidance is facilitated through a tail control system and a [[Global Positioning System|GPS]]-aided [[inertial navigation system]] (INS). The navigation system is initialized by transfer alignment from the aircraft that provides position and velocity vectors from the aircraft systems. Once released from the aircraft, the JDAM autonomously navigates to the designated target coordinates. Target coordinates can be loaded into the aircraft before takeoff, manually altered by the aircrew in flight prior to weapon release, or entered by a datalink from onboard targeting equipment, such as the [[LITENING targeting pod|LITENING II]] or [[Lockheed Martin Sniper XR|"Sniper"]] targeting pods. In its most accurate mode, the JDAM system will provide a minimum weapon accuracy CEP of {{convert|5|m|ft|order=flip}} or less when a GPS signal is available. If the GPS signal is jammed or lost, the JDAM can still achieve a {{convert|30|m|ft|order=flip|adj=on}} CEP or less for free flight times up to 100 seconds.<ref name=USAFfactsheet />

The introduction of GPS guidance to weapons brought several improvements to air-to-ground warfare. The first is a real all-weather capability since GPS is not affected by rain, clouds, fog, smoke, or artificial obscurants. Previous precision guided weapons relied on seekers using infrared, visual light, or a reflected laser spot to "see" the ground target. These seekers were not effective when the target was obscured by fog and low altitude clouds and rain (as encountered in Kosovo), or by dust and smoke (as encountered in Desert Storm).{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

The second advantage is an expanded launch acceptance region (LAR). The LAR defines the region that the aircraft must be within to launch the weapon and hit the target. Non-GPS based precision guided weapons using seekers to guide to the target have significant restrictions on the launch envelope due to the seeker field of view. Some of these systems (such as the [[Paveway]] I, II, and III) must be launched so that the target remains in the seeker field of view throughout the weapon trajectory (or for lock-on-after-launch engagements, the weapon must be launched so that the target is in the field of view during the terminal flight). This requires the aircraft to fly generally straight at the target when launching the weapon.

This restriction is eased in some other systems, such as the [[GBU-15]] and the [[AGM-130]], through the ability of a Weapon System Operator (WSO) in the aircraft to manually steer the weapon to the target. Using a WSO requires a data link between the weapon and the controlling aircraft and requires the controlling aircraft to remain in the area (and possibly vulnerable to defensive fire) as long as the weapon is under manual control. Since GPS-based flight control systems know the weapon's current location and the target location, these weapons can autonomously adjust the trajectory to hit the target. This allows the launch aircraft to release the weapon at very large off-axis angles including releasing weapons to attack targets behind the aircraft.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

[[File:US Navy 030321-N-3235P-510 On the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), 2000 lbs GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) are transported to the flight deck.jpg|thumb|JDAMs prior to being loaded for operations over Iraq, 2003]]

The third advantage is a true "[[fire-and-forget]]" capability in which the weapon does not require any support after being launched. This allows the launching aircraft to leave the target area and proceed to its next mission immediately after launching the GPS guided weapon.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

Another important capability provided by GPS-based guidance is the ability to completely tailor a flight trajectory to meet criteria other than simply hitting a target. Weapon trajectories can be controlled so that a target can be impacted at precise headings and vertical angles. This provides the ability to impact perpendicular to a target surface and minimize the angle of attack (maximizing penetration), detonate the warhead at the optimum angle to maximize the warhead effectiveness, or have the weapon fly into the target area from a different heading than the launch aircraft (decreasing the risk of detection of the aircraft). GPS also provides an accurate time source common to all systems; this allows multiple weapons to [[Loiter (aeronautics)|loiter]] and impact targets at preplanned times and intervals.{{Citation needed|date=February 2012}}

In recognition of these advantages, most weapons including the Paveway, GBU-15, and the AGM-130 have been upgraded with a GPS capability. This enhancement combines the flexibility of GPS with the superior accuracy of seeker guidance.{{Citation needed|date=January 2013}}

[[File:GBU-38 munition explosions in Iraq.jpg|thumb|GBU-38 explosions in Iraq in 2008.]]

Despite their precision, JDAM employment has risks. On 5 December 2001, a JDAM dropped by a [[B-52]] in [[Afghanistan]] nearly killed [[Hamid Karzai]] while he was leading anti-[[Taliban]] forces near Sayd Alim Kalay alongside a [[US Army Special Forces]] (SF) team. A large force of Taliban [[soldier]]s had engaged the combined force of Karzai's men and their American SF counterparts, nearly overwhelming them. The SF commander requested [[Close Air Support]] (CAS) to strike the Taliban positions in an effort to stop their advance. A JDAM was subsequently dropped, but instead of striking the Taliban positions, it struck the Afghan/American position, killing three and injuring 20. An investigation of the incident determined that the U.S. Air Force Tactical Control Party (TACP) attached to the Special Forces team had changed the battery in the [[Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver|GPS receiver]] at some point during the battle, thereby causing the device to return to "default" and "display its own coordinates." Not realizing that this had occurred, the TACP relayed his own coordinates to the delivery aircraft.<ref name="friendly">{{cite web |author=Burgess |first=Mark |date=12 June 2002 |title=Killing Your Own: The Problem of Friendly Fire During the Afghan Campaign |url=http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/killing.cfm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317163641/http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/killing.cfm |archive-date=17 March 2010 |access-date=5 October 2010 |publisher=CDI}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ladkin |first=Peter B. |title=Checking and Comparison of WB-Graphs |url=http://www.rvs.uni-bielefeld.de/publications/Papers/ladkin_WBG_Comparison.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404121331/http://www.rvs.uni-bielefeld.de/publications/Papers/ladkin_WBG_Comparison.pdf |archive-date=4 April 2023 |website=University of Bielefeld |page=9}}</ref>

On 5 May 2023, during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], MSN reported that Russia was able to [[Radio jamming|jam]] the [[GPS]] guidance system to cause JDAMs to miss their targets. The leaked Pentagon document described the JDAMs as being particularly susceptible to the disruption.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Marquardt |first1=Alex |last2=Bertrand |first2=Natasha |last3=Cohen |first3=Zachary |date=6 May 2023 |title=Russia's jamming of US-provided rocket systems complicates Ukraine's war effort |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/05/politics/russia-jamming-himars-rockets-ukraine/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214005622/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/05/politics/russia-jamming-himars-rockets-ukraine/index.html |archive-date=14 December 2023 |access-date= |website=CNN |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 6 June 2023, the [[Royal United Services Institute]] (RUSI) released a commentary by an [[electronic warfare]] (EW) expert on the jamming of JDAMs by Russian forces. The paper notes that the Russian [[R-330Zh Zhitel]] has had impacted GPS signals that JDAMs rely on. GPS signals are "very weak by the time they have travelled the 10,900 nautical miles (20,200 km) from the satellite to Earth", making them "easy to jam with comparatively little power". In the "early 2000s" the US military rolled out the [[Selective availability anti-spoofing module]] (SAASM), along with encrypted military M-code GPS signaling to ensure that the JDAM only accepts signals with correct encryption and rejects all other signals. However, according to one electronic warfare (EW) expert who spoke to RUSI, despite the mentioned steps to increase jamming resiliency, the "sheer brute force" of a powerful jamming signal can prevent the JDAM's [[global navigation satellite system]] (GNSS) receiver from obtaining the encrypted signal.

Counter-EW systems, while classified, might allow a JDAM to recognize a jamming signal and its direction and "block out" signals coming from that direction. A GNSS receiver will "typically need to 'see' – that is have an uninterrupted Line-of-Sight (LOS) with – at least four satellites", and will "often" have more satellites available to it. Thus, blocking signals from one direction might not affect the receiver's ability to "see" other satellites. Russian forces may choose to respond by placing more jammers in order to deny a line of sight to the satellites that it requires. Russian EW units might also have the ability to spoof or fake the M-Code that it confuses the JDAM as to its location and time. Ukrainian forces have been able to locate Russian jammers and hit them with "kinetic" attacks such as artillery. Several Russian EW units have been targeted and lost equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Malyasov |first=Dylan |date=21 April 2023 |title=Ukrainian forces blow up modern Russian electronic warfare system |url=https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-forces-blow-up-modern-russian-electronic-warfare-system/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230928035134/https://defence-blog.com/ukrainian-forces-blow-up-modern-russian-electronic-warfare-system/ |archive-date=28 September 2023 |access-date=26 September 2022 |website=Defence Express |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Withington |first=Thomas |date=6 June 2023 |title=Jamming JDAM: The Threat to US Munitions from Russian Electronic Warfare |url=https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/jamming-jdam-threat-us-munitions-russian-electronic-warfare |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208175445/https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/jamming-jdam-threat-us-munitions-russian-electronic-warfare |archive-date=8 December 2023 |access-date=10 June 2023 |website=Royal United Services Institute |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Mizokami |first=Kyle |date=21 April 2023 |title=GPS-Guided Bombs Should've Been Ukraine's Ace in the Hole. Then, Russian Jamming Stepped In |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a43591694/russian-jamming-gps-guided-bombs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501213936/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a43591694/russian-jamming-gps-guided-bombs/ |archive-date=1 May 2023 |access-date=10 June 2023 |website=Popular Mechanics |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 13 August 2024, Ukrainian Su-27 launched a [[JDAM]] at a Russian command post in [[Tetkino]], which was reportedly destroyed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian Jets Join The Invasion Of Russia's Kursk Oblast—And Blow Up A Russian Command Post |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/08/13/ukrainian-jets-join-the-invasion-of-russias-kursk-oblast-and-blow-up-a-russian-command-post/|author=David Axe|access-date=14 August 2024 |work=Forbes |date=14 August 2024 }}</ref>

In December 2023, the WSJ report stated that [[United States support for Israel in the Gaza war|US arms shipments to Israel]] since the start of the [[Gaza war]] included approximately 3,000 JDAMs.<ref>{{cite news |title=US sends 'bunker buster' bombs to Israel for war on Gaza, report says |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/2/us-gives-bunker-buster-bombs-to-israel-for-war-on-gaza-report |agency=Al-Jazeera |date=2 December 2023}}</ref> Israeli [[F-15I]] fighter jets are believed to have used [[BLU-109 bomb|BLU-109]] [[bunker buster|bunker buster bombs]] with JDAM guidance kits in the [[2024 Hezbollah headquarters strike|strikes]] that killed [[Hezbollah]] leader [[Hassan Nasrallah]] in Beirut, Lebanon on 27 September 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel likely used U.S.-made 2,000-pound bombs in Nasrallah strike, visuals show |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/09/29/israel-bomb-beirut-nasrallah-death/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=29 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= US-made 2,000-pound bombs likely used in strike that killed Hezbollah chief Nasrallah, CNN analysis shows|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/30/middleeast/israel-attack-nasrallah-2000-pound-bombs-intl/index.html |work=CNN |date=30 September 2024}}</ref>

===Upgrades===
[[File:US Navy 020227-N-2722F-030 USS Stennis - JDAM.jpg|thumb|A DSU-33 Airburst sensor (right)]]

Experience during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom led US air power planners to seek additional capabilities in one package, resulting in ongoing program upgrades to place a precision terminal guidance seeker in the JDAM kit.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dual Mode Guided Bomb |url=http://www.deagel.com/Bombs-and-Guidance-Kits/DMGB_a000937001.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303173954/http://www.deagel.com/Bombs-and-Guidance-Kits/DMGB_a000937001.aspx |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=5 October 2010 |website=deagel.com}}</ref> The Laser JDAM (LJDAM), as this upgrade is known, adds a [[laser seeker]] to the nose of a JDAM-equipped bomb, enabling it to engage moving targets. The laser seeker is a cooperative development between Boeing's Defense, Space and Security unit and Israel's [[Elbit Systems]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Opall-Rome |first=Barbara |date=3 May 2010 |title=U.S. Backs Israeli Munitions Upgrades |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20100503/DEFFEAT04/5030325/U-S-Backs-Israeli-Munitions-Upgrades |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729074626/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php |archive-date=29 July 2012 |website=Defense News}}</ref>

It is called the Precision Laser Guidance Set (PLGS) by Boeing and consists of the laser seeker itself, now known as DSU-38/B, and a wire harness fixed under the bomb body to connect the DSU-38/B with the tail kit. During FY2004, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force began testing of the [[laser guidance]] capability for JDAM, with these tests demonstrating that the system is capable of targeting and destroying moving targets.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 July 2006 |title=Boeing Scores Direct Hit in Laser JDAM Moving Target Test |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q3/060711a_nr.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524151544/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q3/060711a_nr.html |archive-date=24 May 2011 |access-date=5 May 2010 |website=Boeing}}</ref> This dual guidance system retains the ability to operate on GPS/INS alone, if laser guidance is unavailable, with the same accuracy of the earlier JDAM.

[[File:USMC-120517-M-YE622-006.jpg|thumb|upright|A GBU-54 laser seeker]]

In June 2007, Boeing announced that it had been awarded a $28 million contract by the U.S. Air Force to deliver 600 laser seekers (400 to the Air Force and 200 to the Navy) by June 2009.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 June 2007 |title=Boeing Awarded Laser JDAM Contract |url=http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/missiles/jdam/news/2007/q2/070611c_nr.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117044459/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/missiles/jdam/news/2007/q2/070611c_nr.html |archive-date=17 November 2007 |access-date=5 October 2010 |website=Boeing}}</ref> According to the Boeing Corporation, in tests at [[Nellis Air Force Base]], [[Nevada]], Air Force [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]]s and [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle|F-15E Strike Eagles]] dropped twelve {{cvt|500|lb|kg}} LJDAMs that successfully struck high-speed moving targets. Using onboard targeting equipment, the launch aircraft self-designated, and self-guided their bombs to impact on the targets. In addition to the LJDAM kits, Boeing is also testing under a Navy development contract, an anti-jamming system for the JDAM, with development expected to be completed during 2007, with deliveries to commence in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2007 |title=Boeing Completes JDAM Anti-Jamming Developmental Flight Test Program |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-06-18-Boeing-Completes-JDAM-Anti-Jamming-Developmental-Flight-Test-Program |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927150835/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2007-06-18-Boeing-Completes-JDAM-Anti-Jamming-Developmental-Flight-Test-Program |archive-date=27 September 2023 |access-date=5 October 2010 |website=Boeing}}</ref> The system is known as the Integrated GPS Anti-Jam System (IGAS).

In July 2008 Germany signed a contract with Boeing to become the first international customer of LJDAM. Deliveries for the [[German Air Force]] began in mid-2009. The order also includes the option for further kits in 2009.<ref name="ljdam germany">{{Cite web |date=24 July 2008 |title=Boeing Laser JDAM Achieves 1st International Sale |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2008-07-24-Boeing-Laser-JDAM-Achieves-1st-International-Sale |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217000527/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2008-07-24-Boeing-Laser-JDAM-Achieves-1st-International-Sale |archive-date=17 February 2015 |website=Boeing}}</ref>

Boeing announced in September 2008 that it had conducted demonstration flights with the LJDAM loaded aboard a [[Boeing B-52|B-52H]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=15 September 2008 |title=Boeing Laser JDAM Demonstrated on B-52H for 1st Time |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q3/080915c_pr.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009063131/http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q3/080915c_pr.html |archive-date=9 October 2012 |website=Boeing}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kessler |first=Carrie L. |date=24 July 2008 |title=49 TES demonstrates LJDAM for first time |url=https://www.53rdwing.af.mil/News/Article/329622/49-tes-demonstrates-ljdam-for-first-time/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110201915/https://www.53rdwing.af.mil/News/Article/329622/49-tes-demonstrates-ljdam-for-first-time/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |website=U.S. Air Force 53rd Wing}}</ref>

The GBU-54 LJDAM made its combat debut in August 2008 in Iraq when an F-16 from the [[77th Fighter Squadron]] engaged a moving vehicle in Diyala province.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 August 2008 |title=Air Force employs first combat use of laser joint direct attack munition in Iraq |url=https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/221537/air-force-employs-first-combat-use-of-laser-joint-direct-attack-munition-in-iraq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110203413/https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/221537/air-force-employs-first-combat-use-of-laser-joint-direct-attack-munition-in-iraq/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=27 March 2012 |work=U.S. Air Forces Central}}</ref> The GBU-54 LJDAM made its combat debut in the Afghan theater by the [[510th Fighter Squadron]] in October 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nystrom |first=Tech. Sgt. Drew |date=1 October 2010 |title=Vultures make impact with first GBU-54 combat drop in Afghanistan |url=https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/220004/vultures-make-impact-with-first-gbu-54-combat-drop-in-afghanistan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110203905/https://www.afcent.af.mil/News/Article/220004/vultures-make-impact-with-first-gbu-54-combat-drop-in-afghanistan/ |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=22 June 2015 |work=U.S. Air Forces Central}}</ref>

In September 2012, Boeing began full-rate production of Laser JDAM for US Navy and received a contract for more than 2,300 bomb kits.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 September 2012 |title=Boeing Begins Full-Rate Production of Laser JDAM for US Navy |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2012-09-25-Boeing-Begins-Full-Rate-Production-of-Laser-JDAM-for-US-Navy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128200504/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2012-09-25-Boeing-Begins-Full-Rate-Production-of-Laser-JDAM-for-US-Navy |archive-date=28 January 2022 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Boeing}}</ref>

In November 2014, the U.S. Air Force began development of a version of the GBU-31 JDAM intended to track and attack sources of electronic warfare (EW) jamming directed to disrupt the munitions' guidance. The [[home-on-jam|Home-on-Jam]] seeker works similar to the [[AGM-88 HARM]] to follow the source of a radio-frequency jammer to destroy it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=John |date=13 November 2014 |title=Air Force to enable smart weapons to track and kill sources of EW jamming |url=https://www.militaryaerospace.com/rf-analog/article/16718805/air-force-to-enable-smart-weapons-to-track-and-kill-sources-of-electronic-warfare-ew-jamming |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108222848/https://www.militaryaerospace.com/rf-analog/article/16718805/air-force-to-enable-smart-weapons-to-track-and-kill-sources-of-electronic-warfare-ew-jamming |archive-date=8 January 2024 |website=Military Aerospace}}</ref>

===JDAM Extended Range===
[[File:JDAM-ER ukrainian air force su-27.jpg|thumb|JDAM-ER attached to a modified pylon under the wing of a [[Ukrainian Air Force]] [[Sukhoi Su-27|Su-27]]]]
In 2006, the Australian [[Defence Science and Technology Organisation]] in conjunction with [[Boeing Australia]] successfully tested extended range {{Convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} JDAM variants at the [[Woomera Test Range]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2006 |title=Tests of Extended range 'smart' bombs |url=http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=5992 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409003335/http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=5992 |archive-date=9 April 2012 |website=Australian Department of Defence}}</ref>

In 2009, Boeing announced that it will jointly develop the Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM-ER) {{Convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} version with South Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 March 2009 |title=Boeing Teams With TAK to Develop Wing Assembly for 2,000-Pound JDAM ER |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2009-03-31-Boeing-Teams-With-TAK-to-Develop-Wing-Assembly-for-2-000-Pound-JDAM-ER?mobile=No |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404155511/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2009-03-31-Boeing-Teams-With-TAK-to-Develop-Wing-Assembly-for-2-000-Pound-JDAM-ER?mobile=No |archive-date=4 April 2023 |access-date=10 January 2024 |website=Boeing}}</ref> The wing kit will triple the range of JDAM to {{convert|80|km|mi}} for the same accuracy, and will cost $10,000 per unit.<ref>{{cite book |author=Hasik |first=James M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7gqpUdGxymkC&q=JDAM+Extended+Range |title=Arms and Innovation: Entrepreneurship and Alliances in the Twenty-First Century Defense Industry |year=2008 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-31886-8}}</ref> The first prototypes were completed in 2010 or 2011.

The wing kits of Australia's JDAM-ER weapons will be built by Ferra Engineering. First tests were to be conducted in 2013 with production orders in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |last=Waldron |first=Greg |date=11 March 2013 |title=Australia's Ferra Engineering to produce JDAM-ER wing kits |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/australias-ferra-engineering-to-produce-jdam-er-wing-kits-383263/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323075150/https://www.flightglobal.com/australias-ferra-engineering-to-produce-jdam-er-wing-kits/109033.article |archive-date=23 March 2020 |access-date=21 January 2017 |work=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

In late February 2023, it was revealed that JDAM-ERs would be provided to the [[Ukrainian Air Force]] as part of an arms package during the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]. With a standoff range of up to {{cvt|45|mi|order=flip}}, it delivers similar range to [[M142 HIMARS]] rockets, but with heavier warheads and at a lower cost. Although Russian air defenses force Ukrainian aircraft to fly at extremely low levels, they could pop up and release the bombs on a [[lofted trajectory]] to glide toward a target. Ukrainian platforms needed modifications to employ the weapons, as had been done with the AGM-88 HARM.<ref>{{cite web |author=Ismay |first=John |date=23 December 2022 |title=What Are JDAMs? And What Will They Do for Ukraine? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/us/politics/ukraine-weapons-russia.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107142618/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/23/us/politics/ukraine-weapons-russia.html |archive-date=7 November 2023 |website=New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |last2=Rogoway |first2=Tyler |date=22 February 2023 |title=Wing Kits For Ukraine's JDAM Bombs Would Be A Big Problem For Russia |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/wing-kits-for-ukraines-jdam-bombs-would-be-a-big-problem-for-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216233352/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/wing-kits-for-ukraines-jdam-bombs-would-be-a-big-problem-for-russia |archive-date=16 December 2023 |website=The Drive}}</ref> The JDAM-ER was already in use by the Ukrainians by the time of the reports of its delivery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=6 March 2023 |title=Winged JDAM Smart Bombs Are Now Operational In Ukraine |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/winged-jdam-smart-bombs-are-now-operational-in-ukraine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216233352/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/winged-jdam-smart-bombs-are-now-operational-in-ukraine |archive-date=16 December 2023 |website=The Drive}}</ref>

Yuriy Ignat, a spokesman for Air Force Command of the Ukrainian Armed Force, told Ukrainian TV that: "These bombs (JDAM) are slightly less powerful, but extremely accurate. I would like to have more such bombs for success at the front." This comment might be a reference to the fact that these bombs are 500 pounds. As to how many were supplied one US official said  "enough to do a couple of strikes."<ref>{{cite web |author=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=31 March 2023 |title=Ukraine Confirms JDAM Precision Bombs Are Now Being Used In Combat |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-confirms-jdam-precision-bombs-are-now-being-used-in-combat |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113155344/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-confirms-jdam-precision-bombs-are-now-being-used-in-combat |archive-date=13 November 2023 |website=The Drive}}</ref>

On 26 April, the first recorded use of JDAMs, by the Ukrainian Air Force, occurred in Bakhmut. Four 500 pound JDAMs were dropped on a high rise building in the Russian controlled part of the city, the aircraft used appear to be MiG-29s. Both sides have destroyed high rise buildings in Bakhmut to prevent them from being used "as ammo dumps, fighting positions and observation posts."<ref>{{cite web |author=Axe |first=David |date=26 April 2023 |title=A Symphony Of Bomb Blasts: One After Another, Four Ukrainian JDAMs Apparently Strike Russian Positions In Bakhmut |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/04/26/a-symphony-of-bomb-blasts-one-after-another-four-ukrainian-jdams-apparently-strike-russian-positions-in-bakhmut/?sh=4740dcc51427 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712033606/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/04/26/a-symphony-of-bomb-blasts-one-after-another-four-ukrainian-jdams-apparently-strike-russian-positions-in-bakhmut/?sh=795bbd461427 |archive-date=12 July 2023 |website=Forbes}}</ref>

In response to Russian use of electronic warfare to jam GPS-guided weapons, in May 2024 the U.S. awarded a contract for the acquisition of Home-on GPS Jam seekers to be integrated into JDAM wing kits for Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=JDAM-ER Winged Bombs With Seekers That Home In On GPS Jammers Headed To Ukraine |url=https://www.twz.com/air/jdam-er-winged-bombs-with-seekers-that-home-in-on-gps-jammers-headed-to-ukraine |access-date=1 July 2024 |work=The War Zone |date=May 3, 2024}}</ref>

On 3 February 2025, the Ukrainian Air Force released footage of a Su-27 dropping two 1,000 pound Mark 83 bombs. Previously the existence of a 1,000 pound variant of the JDAM-ER wasn't known to exist. Indicating it was made specifically for Ukrainian usage.<ref>{{cite news |author= Stefano D'Urso |title= Ukraine Is Now Using New 1,000 lb JDAM-ER Bombs |url= https://theaviationist.com/2025/02/03/ukraine-new-1000-lb-jdam-er/# |access-date=6 February 2025 |work=The Aviationist |date=3 February 2024}}</ref>

===Powered JDAM (PJDAM)===

In 2010, Boeing proposed adding a jet engine tailkit to the JDAM-ER for 10 times greater range.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Majumdar |first1=Dave |date=11 June 2012 |title=Boeing makes progress developing extended-range JDAM |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/boeing-makes-progress-developing-extended-range-jdam-372885/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302174335/https://www.flightglobal.com/boeing-makes-progress-developing-extended-range-jdam/105668.article |archive-date=2 March 2020 |access-date=20 April 2017 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Drew |first1=James |date=11 June 2012 |title=Sharp-Shooting Bombs, Missiles Shaping The Modern Battlefield |url=http://aviationweek.com/aviation-week-space-technology/sharp-shooting-bombs-missiles-shaping-modern-battlefield |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528201644/https://aviationweek.com/aviation-week-space-technology/sharp-shooting-bombs-missiles-shaping-modern-battlefield |archive-date=28 May 2023 |access-date=20 April 2017 |website=Aviation Week}}</ref> The U.S. Air Force initially showed no interest in the concept, but by 2020 Boeing believed the service had regained interest in acquiring low-cost cruise missiles. The Powered JDAM combines a {{Convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} bomb with a wing kit and a propulsion module, giving it the range of more sophisticated missiles through a low-cost engine while being cheaper though not having a stealthy shape or the ability to conduct low-altitude flights. Though less survivable, Powered JDAMs could be networked to provide a cheap standoff weapon to overwhelm air defense systems.<ref name="airforcemag28feb20">{{Cite web |last=Naegele |first=Tobias |date=28 February 2020 |title=Powered JDAM: Boeing's New Alternative to Cruise Missiles |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/power-jdam-boeings-new-alternative-to-cruise-missiles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118153809/https://www.airandspaceforces.com/power-jdam-boeings-new-alternative-to-cruise-missiles/ |archive-date=18 November 2023 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reim |first=Garrett |date=3 March 2020 |title=Boeing resurrects effort to turn JDAM bomb into cheap cruise missile |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/boeing-resurrects-effort-to-turn-jdam-bomb-into-cheap-cruise-missile/137046.article |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412031814/https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/boeing-resurrects-effort-to-turn-jdam-bomb-into-cheap-cruise-missile/137046.article |archive-date=12 April 2020 |website=FlightGlobal}}</ref>

===Anti-ship deployments===
[[File:Quickstrike ER naval mine attached to a B-52 bomber.jpg|thumb|An inert JDAM Quickstrike Extended Range mine is attached to a [[United States Air Force|U.S. Air Force]] [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52H Stratofortress]]]]
In September 2014, the U.S. Air Force performed the first-ever drop of a precision-guided aerial [[naval mine|sea mine]], consisting of a Quickstrike mine equipped with a JDAM kit. The Quickstrike is a Mark 80-series general-purpose bomb with the fuze replaced with a target detection device (TDD) to detonate it when a ship passes within lethal range, a safe/arm device in the nose, and a parachute-retarder tailkit in the back. Dropping of naval mines has historically been challenging, as the delivery aircraft has to fly low and slow, {{convert|500|ft|m|abbr=on}} at {{convert|320|knot|mph km/h}}, making it vulnerable to hostile fire. The first aerial mining mission of [[Operation Desert Storm]] resulted in the loss of an aircraft, and the U.S. has not flown any combat aerial minings since.<ref name="New Wrinkles in Maritime Warfare">{{Cite web |last=Pietrucha |first=Michael W. |date=3 December 2015 |title=New Wrinkles in Maritime Warfare |url=https://thediplomat.com/2015/12/new-wrinkles-in-maritime-warfare/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230922024717/https://thediplomat.com/2015/12/new-wrinkles-in-maritime-warfare/ |archive-date=22 September 2023 |website=The Diplomat}}</ref><ref name="peck190815">{{Cite web |last=Peck |first=Michael |date=19 October 2015 |title=Get Ready, China and Iran: American Naval Super Mines Are Coming |url=https://nationalinterest.org/feature/get-ready-china-russia-american-super-mines-are-coming-14120 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019234655/http://www.nationalinterest.org/feature/get-ready-china-russia-american-super-mines-are-coming-14120 |archive-date=19 October 2015 |website=National Interest}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Pietrucha |first=Michael W. |title=Twenty-First-Century Aerial Mining |url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/Volume-29_Issue-2/V-Pietrucha.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711035400/https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Portals/10/ASPJ/journals/Volume-29_Issue-2/V-Pietrucha.pdf |archive-date=11 July 2023 |website=U.S. Air University}}</ref>

The Quickstrike-J is a JDAM-equipped {{Convert|1000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} or {{Convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} version, and the GBU-62B(V-1)/B Quickstrike-ER is a {{Convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on}} or {{Convert|2000|lb|kg|abbr=on}} gliding version based on the JDAM-ER, which has a range of {{convert|40|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}} when launched from {{convert|35000|ft|m|abbr=on}}. Precision airdropping of naval mines is the first advance in aerial mine delivery techniques since World War II. It can increase the survivability of delivery aircraft, since instead of making multiple slow passes at low altitude directly over the area, an aircraft can release all of their mines in a single pass from a standoff distance and altitude. This increases the mines' effectiveness, since instead of laying a random pattern of mines in a loosely defined area, they can be laid directly into harbor mouths, shipping channels, canals, rivers, and inland waterways, reducing the number of mines required and enhancing the possibility of blocking ship transit corridors. Enemy naval ports can be blockaded, and a defensive minefield quickly planted to protect areas threatened by [[amphibious assault]].<ref name="New Wrinkles in Maritime Warfare" /><ref name="peck190815" /><ref name=":3" />  

A direct-attack bomb version called "Quicksink" was tested in 2022,<ref>{{cite web |last=Wetsig |first=Whitney |date=4 May 2022 |title=AFRL technology makes new weapon for sinking ships a reality |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3014834/afrl-technology-makes-new-weapon-for-sinking-ships-a-reality/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907232827/https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3014834/afrl-technology-makes-new-weapon-for-sinking-ships-a-reality/ |archive-date=7 September 2023 |website=U.S. Air Force}}</ref> and were successfully used to sink {{USS|Dubuque|LPD-8}} and {{USS|Tarawa|LHA-1}} during the [[Exercise RIMPAC|RIMPAC]] 2024 exercise.<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S., Partners Experiment with New Weapon Systems During RIMPAC 2024 SINKEX|first=Dzirhan |last=Mahadzir|date=July 23, 2024 |publisher=[[US Naval Institute]]|website=USNI News|url=https://news.usni.org/2024/07/23/u-s-partners-experiment-with-new-weapon-systems-during-rimpac-2024-sinkex}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stassis |first=Cristina |date=2024-07-25 |title=USS Tarawa sent to ocean floor in Rim of the Pacific exercise |url=https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/07/25/uss-tarawa-sent-to-ocean-floor-in-rim-of-the-pacific-exercise/ |access-date=2024-07-26 |website=Navy Times |language=en}}</ref>