Ukrainian Air Force shows JDAM-ER guided bombs on Soviet fighter aircraft for the first time

Defence Express reports that, after months of speculation and social media discussions, official visual evidence has finally emerged confirming Ukraine's use of JDAM-ER precision-guided glide bombs. The Ukrainian Air Force marked the occasion of US Independence Day on July 4 by paying tribute to the American people and showcasing photos of various American weapons, including an AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile, a Patriot anti-missile air defense system, and two JDAM-ER glide bombs.

“I thank the people and the Government of the United States of America for their support of Ukraine in this difficult and fateful for the whole world time. Our warriors successfully use American weapons to protect the Ukrainian people against Russian air terror, our pilots deliver airstrikes every single day!” said Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk on Facebook.

“We can identify them as JDAM-ER thanks to the kit with fins attached to the bombs. Additionally, the bombs themselves are identifiable, as well as the aircraft used as the carrier – MiG-29, as we can see the characteristic landing gear and the open compartment for it,” the article says.

Based on their appearance, the bombs can be recognized as Mark 82, which have a weight of 500 pounds (230 kg). These bombs serve as a Western equivalent to the Soviet FAB-250 bombs, well-known to Ukrainian pilots and technicians. Each Mark 82 bomb contains 87 kg of explosive material known as Tritonal, which is 18% more powerful than Trinitrotoluene (TNT).

JDAM-ER guidance not only enhances the bomb by providing guidance and extending its range but also allows the carrier aircraft to drop the bomb from a distance that is beyond the reach of Russian air defense systems. The maximum range of these glide bombs is approximately 70 km when dropped from an altitude of 12 km, or about 40 km when launched at a low altitude with a pitch-up trajectory.