Australia Gives Ukraine Surplus JDAM-ER Glide Bombs
Aus has officially retired the F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet fleet and its accompanying arsenal of Mk.82 500lb JDAM-ER — extended range — glide bombs. But, like a retired athlete taking up coaching, some of those munitions have found a second act — on the battlefields of Ukraine.
Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Plan, just unveiled in October 2024, confirmed what was previously hinted: the JDAM-ER kits, withdrawn from Royal Australian Air Force service in 2021, were later sent to Ukraine.
While the exact timing remains classified, their presence in the conflict has now been acknowledged by Australia.
The Ukrainian Air Force first employed JDAM-ERs in March 2023, deploying them from modified MiG-29s. However, those early munitions came from the US. It wasn’t until April 2024 that Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed that his country had supplied Ukraine with air-to-ground precision munitions.
By July 2024, Australia doubled down, announcing an additional $250 million aid package that included even more unspecified air-to-ground weapons.
JDAM-ER, or Joint Direct Attack Munition — Extended Range, isn’t just a fancy name.
This kit takes a standard Mk.82 500lb bomb, slaps on guidance and glide components…
