France gets new smart bombs

PARIS, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- France has taken delivery of laser-guided precision bombs and intends to use them in Afghanistan.

Raytheon's Paveway II (P2) laser-guided smart bombs already equip the French air force's Mirage 200D, which supports U.S. and other NATO forces in Afghanistan.

"We have indeed received what we ordered," an unnamed French air force official told Defense News. "We hope to use them in Afghanistan as soon as possible."

The official said the deployment of the bombs would take place early next year.

Raytheon was awarded the $22 million contract in the start of 2009. The P2 system was first deployed on the French navy's Super Etendard fighter jet two years ago.

This, however, will be the first time that the air force's Mirage 2000 fleet will be equipped with the Enhanced Paveway dual-mode munition.

Under the contract, Raytheon agreed to provide the French air force with 50 upgraded avionics kits that convert 500-pound laser-guided bombs into more effective dual-mode GBU-49 smart bombs.

The first operation batch, said Gilles Deschars, managing director of defense contractor Raytheon, will consist of 10 interface units and 50 GBU-49s.

"So far, the (French) air force has received two batches of GBU-49s, one earlier this year for testing and integration, and a second for operational deployment," Defense News quoted the Raytheon officials as saying.

GPS-guided smart bombs with dual guidance capability have increased in demand worldwide.

Israel has developed its rendition of the P2 -- called the GPA/EO Spice bomb -- and the United States has manufactured Laser JDAMs.

The guidance kits effectively convert existing unguided gravity bombs or dumb bombs, as military experts call them, into all-weather smart munitions.

That means the bombs are given added accuracy, plus an ability to hit moving targets offered by laser-guidance. The GPS that is available for backup allows the pilot to drop bombs even through bad weather conditions that usually hamper the operation of lasers.

France's Commander Yann de Champsavin has said the system "matches real affordability with unrivalled standoff range, accuracy and reliability."

As part of a separate deal estimated at $32 million, the French navy Super Etendard jet fighter has received GBU-49 bombs in addition to 300 munitions. The deal also includes EPAK interface units that allow the pilot to enter target coordinates, experts say.

France's new Rafale combat aircraft will not have that targeting capability until 2010.

Still, a recent crash program allowed Rafale to be fitted with the GBU-12 aerial bomb.

The British Royal Air Force has deployed the GBU-49 on its Harrier GR7 fleet.