Arms manufacturing company Diehl Defence has signed a teaming agreement with US-based Boeing Defense, Space and Security to cooperate on marketing GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) weapon systems in Germany.
The 500lb GBU-54 is a dual-mode, precision ammunition that comprises an unguided Mk-82 series warhead and Boeing’s Laser JDAM guidance kit, which enables the weapon system to be guided accurately to the target.
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Under the collaboration, Diehl Defence and Boeing intend to provide the Bundeswehr, the unified armed forces of Germany, with two major advantages that include using the advanced and modern weapon system available in the market.
The other benefit is on-site support by a national missile system house, with expertise in inventory management and equipment and weapon systems integration on various aircraft, including the Eurofighter.
The GBU-54 Laser JDAM is currently integrated on the German Air Force’s Tornado combat aircraft. The ammunition is also capable of enhancing the air-to-ground mission capability of the airforce’s Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet.
The GBU-54 weapon combines global positioning system (GPS) / inertial navigation system (INS), laser seeker and target designation that allows for both the stationary and mobile targets to be engaged in adverse weather conditions.
The combat-proven air-to-surface weapon system delivers additional capability and flexibility to the fleet’s existing inventory of precision-guided munitions.
JDAM is an air-to-surface guidance kit that helps convert existing unguided bombs into precision-guided ‘smart’ munitions.
