JERUSALEM, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The Israel Air Force will purchase an estimated $100 million worth of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) missiles from the United States.
The sale represents the largest weapons deal between the United States and Israel since the war in Lebanon, said The Jerusalem Post on Monday in an exclusive report.
Boeing produces the JDAM, a low-cost guidance kit that converts free-fall bombs into guided "smart" weapons. The JDAM-equipped bombs register the location of the target while attached to the computer in the jet. Once the bomb is launched, a satellite guides the bomb to its target, enabling the warplane to leave the enemy territory. The JDAM system also has the advantage of being able to navigate with accuracy regardless of weather conditions.
Israel was the first foreign customer to purchase the weapons system in 2000.
"The kits were then added to Mk-84, 2,000-pound warheads, turning simple iron bombs into precision, satellite-guided weapons," The Jerusalem Post reported.
The IAF used JDAM missiles extensively last summer during the fighting against Hezbollah, and reported success in destroying targets. After the war, IAF commander Maj.-Gen. Elazar Shkedy pressed the Israeli Defense Department to begin negotiations with the United States and Boeing to obtain additional JDAM kits.
