Israel buying $1.9 billion in smart bomb kits

WASHINGTON, May 20 (UPI) -- More than 14,000 kits that convert freefall bombs into precision-guided weapons are to be sold to Israel under a proposed Foreign Military Sales contract.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees the FMS program, said in its required notification to Congress that the proposed sale worth $1.879 billion has already been reviewed and approved by the State Department.

"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. "This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives.

"The proposed sale of this equipment will provide Israel the ability to support its self-defense needs. These munitions will enable Israel to maintain operational capability of its existing systems and will enhance Israel's interoperability with the United States."

So-called "dumb" bombs equipped with bolted on JDAM kits are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system that is coupled to a GPS receiver. The result is range of as much as 15 nautical miles.

Israel seeks to acquire 14,500 KMU-556C/B JDAM kits, munitions, and associated equipment, parts and logistical support. A total of 10,000 kits would be for Mk-84 bombs; 500 for Mk-83 bombs; and,4,000 for Mk-82 bombs. Munitions requested include 3,500 Mk-82 bombs; 4,500 Mk-83 bombs; 50 BLU-113 bombs; 4,100 GBU-39 Small Diameter bombs; 3,000 AGM-114K/R Hellfire Missiles; and 250 AIM-120C Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles.

DSU-38A/B detector laser illuminated target kits for JDAM-equipped bombs and Paveway bomb kits are also part of the package requested.

The principal contractors for the proposed sale are Boeing, Lockheed-Martin, General Dynamics, Elwood National Forge Co., and Raytheon Missile Systems.