Israel seeking to buy JDAM kits

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency reports that Israel is seeking to purchase Joint Direct Attack Munitions tail kits.

The 6,900 tail kits -- plus associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support -- is worth an estimated $647 million.

"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 agency said in reporting the possible Foreign Military Sale to Congress. "This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives."

In addition to the kits, used to convert free-fall bombs into more precision weapons, Israel has requested 1,725 KMU-557 (GBU-31) for BLU-109 warheads and 1,725 KMU-572 (GBU-38) for MK-82 warheads; 3,450 MK-84 2,000-pound general purpose bombs; 1,725 MK-82 500-pound general purpose bombs; 1,725 BLU-109 bombs; 3,450 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs; 11,500 FMU-139 Fuses; 11,500 FMU-143 Fuses; and 11,500 FMU-152 Fuses.

Contractors on the sale would be Boeing, KDI Precision Products, ATK, Kaman Dayron, Lockheed-Martin Missile and Fire Control, General Dynamics, Elwood National Forge Co., and Raytheon.