Australia donates retired JDAM-ER precision bombs to Ukraine

Australia has referenced supplying "air-to-ground precision munitions" to Ukraine on two occasions, without specifically naming JDAM-ERs.

Nov 3, 2024 - 21:00

Australia donates retired JDAM-ER precision bombs to Ukraine

australia donates retired jdam-er precision bombs ukraine ukrainian soldier attaches american gbu-62 under wing air force mig-29

Australia has donated an undisclosed number of Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended-Range (JDAM-ER) glide bombs to Ukraine following their withdrawal from Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) service, Australian Defence Magazine reports.

Ukraine is actively using these bombs against hardened Russian targets, including bridges and command posts, showcasing the successful integration of advanced NATO weaponry with older Soviet-era aircraft. The first documented use of US-developed JDAM-ERs in Ukraine occurred in March 2023, with US-supplied variants deployed by the Ukrainian Air Force’s modified Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets.

According to the Australian Defence’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan released on 30 October, Australia withdrew its inventory of Australian-built Mk.82 500lb (226 kg) JDAM-ER munitions from service in 2021 alongside the retirement of the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet fleet.

While the exact timing of the transfer remains unclear, Australian Defence Magazine confirms that at least some of these weapons were later transferred to Ukraine as part of Australia’s ongoing support for Ukraine.

According to Australian Defence Magazine, Australia confirmed at least twice that it provided Ukraine with air-to-ground precision munitions. The initial confirmation came during Defense Minister Richard Marles’ visit to Ukraine in April 2024. In July 2024, an additional donation of unspecified air-to-ground munitions was announced as part of a A$250 million ($163.9 million) aid package.

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