Ukraine receives JDAM-ER bombs from Australia
Ukraine receives JDAM-ER bombs from Australia (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Australia has handed over several Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended-Range (JDAM-ER) cruise missiles to Ukraine. This happened immediately after they were withdrawn from the service of the Royal Australian Air Force, reports Australian Defense Magazine.
The Department of Defense's Guided Munitions and Explosive Ordnance Plan, released on October 30, revealed that Australia has decommissioned Australian-made Mk.82 500lb JDAM-ER munitions.
The ADM can now confirm that at least some of this weaponry was later transferred to Ukraine as part of Australia's support. However, it is not known when the munitions were transferred to Ukraine.
The magazine noted that the first known use of JDAM-ER in Ukraine was using a MiG-29 of the Ukrainian Air Force in March 2023, but then this weapon was supplied by the United States.
In April 2024, Australia confirmed that it had supplied unspecified air-to-ground munitions to Ukraine.
“We've also been able to announce today that we have provided to Ukraine air to ground precision munitions,” said Defense Minister Richard Marles.
In July 2024, the Department of Defense announced a further donation of unspecified air-to-ground weapons as part of a $250 million package.
