Isreal to buy thousands of US "Smart Bombs"

[scott23]

During last summer's war with Lebanon, the IAF used JDAM missiles extensively. They were even forced to get emergency shipments of the kits from the US.

The JDAM is a low-cost guidance kit produced by Boeing Co. that converts free-falling bombs into guided "smart" weapons. The JDAM kit consists of a tail section that contains a Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System and body improvements for additional stability and lift.

Israel became the first foreign customer to purchase the system from Boeing in 2000. The kits were then added to Mk-84, 2,000-pound warheads thereby turning simple iron bombs into precision, satellite-guided weapons.

According to defense sources, the funds for the deal will come from the IAF's procurement fund. The deal will not require congressional approval since Israel is exercising a previously approved option to purchase the system.

IAF commander Maj.-Gen. Elazar Shkedy urged Israel's Defense Ministry to begin negotiations with the Pentagon and Boeing to get more of the kits after the war with Lebanon last summer. JDAM missiles were used extensively during the fighting against Hezbullah.

The JDAM-equipped bombs receive data on where the target is while the bomb is still attached to the plane. After the jet releases it, a satellite takes over and guides it in to it's target. This allows the crew of the jet to get away from enemy territory more quickly.

The system's greatest benefit for the IAF will be its accuracy even in bad weather conditions or to launch an attack at night. The laser-guided bombs currently in the IAF's arsenal are much less effective in foggy conditions, or when there is heavy clouds and smoke.