ST. CHARLES, Missouri — Boeing has received approval to begin initial serial production of the JDAM-LR (Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range), designated GBU-75, following the award of a $75 million undefinitized contract action from the U.S. Air Force for BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Units intended for the U.S. Navy.
The production approval follows a series of successful U.S. Navy flight tests conducted in April 2026, marking an important step toward fielding a long-range precision-guided weapon designed to increase the strike range of carrier-based aircraft while using existing JDAM technology.
Initial Production Approved Following Successful Flight Tests
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing the initial production contract for the BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Units, which form the core of the JDAM-LR system for U.S. Navy use.
The approval came after successful flight demonstrations conducted by the U.S. Navy on April 1 and April 3, 2026, over the Point Mugu Sea Range off the California coast. During both tests, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft released inert JDAM-LR weapons.
Each test covered approximately 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers). During the first flight, the weapon remained in powered flight for about 34 minutes before landing within meters of its planned target. The second test included altitude changes and maneuvering while maintaining guidance throughout the mission.
According to the reported test results, the demonstrations confirmed safe separation from the aircraft, compatibility with existing aircraft interfaces, powered free flight, and navigation using military-code GPS.
Powered Upgrade to the JDAM Family
The JDAM-LR is the newest member of Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) family. Unlike the standard JDAM, which converts unguided bombs into precision-guided glide weapons, the JDAM-LR adds a compact propulsion system that allows sustained powered flight.
The system combines:
- A GPS-aided inertial navigation system (INS) derived from the existing JDAM family.
- Aircraft interface systems.
- A BSU-111/B deployable wing payload delivery unit.
- A Kratos TDI-J85 turbojet engine producing 200 pounds of thrust.
The kit is designed to be fitted to a 500-pound-class (approximately 230-kilogram) bomb body, typically a Mk-82, effectively converting a conventional gravity bomb into a powered long-range precision weapon.
According to Boeing, the JDAM-LR is capable of striking land and maritime targets at ranges exceeding 300 nautical miles (more than 555 kilometers).
Boeing Highlights Program Milestone
Commenting on the production award, Bob Ciesla, Vice President of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, said:
"This first production contract is a major milestone for the JDAM LR program, demonstrating our ability to deliver long-range precision-strike capability at a significantly lower cost."
The company said the contract represents the transition of the program from successful development and testing into production.
Comparison With Existing JDAM Variants
The JDAM-LR expands Boeing's existing family of precision-guidance kits, each designed for different operational requirements.
The standard JDAM uses GPS-aided inertial navigation and typically provides a launch range of 15 to 28 kilometers.
The JDAM-ER (Extended Range) adds folding wings that increase range to approximately 70 to 80 kilometers, while some official figures describe the range as about 40 nautical miles, depending on configuration.
The Laser JDAM (LJDAM) adds a laser seeker, allowing engagement of moving targets.
The new JDAM-LR (GBU-75) retains the JDAM guidance system while adding deployable wings and a compact turbojet engine to extend its range beyond 300 nautical miles (555 kilometers).
Designed for Existing Aircraft
One of the key features of the JDAM-LR is its compatibility with aircraft already cleared to carry standard JDAM weapons.
According to Boeing, the weapon is designed to integrate without requiring aircraft modifications. Platforms identified for compatibility include the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the U.S. Air Force's B-52.
Qualification work and aircraft integration activities are continuing as production begins.
Manufacturing and Program Development
Boeing said it invested nearly $100 million of its own funding in the JDAM-LR program before receiving the production award.
Manufacturing preparations are underway at the company's St. Charles, Missouri facility, where production of the initial units has now started following the contract announced in early August 2026.
Cost and Operational Role
Boeing has not disclosed the unit cost of the JDAM-LR.
Standard JDAM guidance kits are generally reported to cost between $20,000 and $30,000. Boeing has stated that the powered JDAM-LR is intended to provide a lower-cost long-range precision-strike capability compared with traditional cruise missiles by using existing bomb bodies and established JDAM architecture.
The weapon is expected to support land strike, naval strike, and maritime aerial-mining missions. Further qualification efforts will focus on shipboard integration for carrier operations.
Because the system is designed around the existing JDAM family and is compatible with aircraft already qualified to carry JDAM weapons, it could also be adopted in the future by other U.S. military services and international operators that already use JDAM weapons.
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