Boeing Secures $75 Million Contract for Jet-Powered JDAM Bombs

Boeing has secured a significant production contract from the U.S. Air Force to manufacture its jet-powered Guided Bomb Unit-75 (GBU-75), which can travel over 300 nautical miles, according to an announcement made by the company on Wednesday. The contract is valued at $75 million and marks the first major production order for this advanced munition system.

The GBU-75, also known as the Long Range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM LR), incorporates a turbojet engine and wing kit that transforms standard 500-pound JDAM bombs into long-range precision weapons. This modification significantly extends the range of these gravity bombs to match that of cruise missiles, providing a new level of operational flexibility for both land and maritime strikes.

Boeing has invested nearly $100 million in research and development for this project before securing government funding. The company's vice president of Precision Engagement Systems, Bob Ciesla, highlighted the importance of scaling production to provide an affordable and sustainable solution that addresses long-range threats faced by U.S. and allied forces.

The BSU-111/B wing-and-engine kit is a recent addition to the JDAM family, which previously included tail kits for steering and wing kits for extended range capabilities. The Kratos-designed TDI-J85 engine powers the GBU-75, pushing its operational distance well beyond previous limitations.

In April 2026, the U.S. Navy successfully tested two GBU-75s off the coast of California during exercises at Point Mugu Sea Range. These tests demonstrated the bomb's capability to fly for over 34 minutes and cover approximately 200 nautical miles before accurately striking its target.

Capt. Sarah Abbott, the Navy’s Precision Strike Weapons program manager, emphasized the need for greater standoff range in JDAM systems to ensure safer engagement distances for pilots operating in contested environments. The Navy's demonstration underscored the weapon's potential to maintain tactical advantages while minimizing risk to personnel.

The contract awarded by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, highlights the reusability of existing infrastructure as a key selling point. Any jet capable of dropping conventional JDAMs can carry and deploy the new variant without requiring modifications to aircraft systems or platforms.

Despite not appearing in the Pentagon’s daily contract announcements by August 5, this undefinitized action allows Boeing to commence work immediately, with reimbursement for allowable costs regardless of final pricing agreements. The exact number of GBU-75s covered under the $75 million contract and their delivery timeline remain undisclosed at present.

This development represents a significant advancement in precision strike capabilities for U.S. military forces, offering enhanced strategic options and operational flexibility across various combat scenarios.