Flying 370 Km: Boeing Tests JDAM LR for the US Navy

The US Navy has conducted the first flight tests of the new long-range version of the JDAM LR system, developed by Boeing based on the JDAM.

During tests on April 1 and 3, the munitions were launched from an F/A-18 Super Hornet off the coast of California, according to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.

Both launches were successful and confirmed the munition’s separation, engine ignition, and guided flight to the target.

Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM-LR)

The JDAM-LR is being developed as a rapid solution for the Navy amid a shortage of long-range, high-precision weapons. A kit of specialized equipment for unguided bombs transforms them into “smart,” guided munitions.

The kit consists of guided control surfaces and an inertial guidance system paired with a GPS receiver.

During the first test, the missile flew for 34 minutes and covered 200 nautical miles — over 370 kilometers.

According to the analytical resource Colby Badhwar at X, the munition struck just a few meters from the planned target point.

The second launch followed a complex route involving altitude changes and in-flight maneuvers.

This has become particularly relevant following the intensive use of US missile stocks in the Middle East.

The new weapon does not require major aircraft upgrades or complex new software.

This allows for its rapid integration onto carrier-based fighters and other combat aircraft.

Boeing states that future versions of the JDAM-LR will have a range exceeding 300 nautical miles — about 555 km. Currently, the flight range of a conventional aerial bomb from the release point is 28 kilometers, with a possible circular error probability of 11 meters.

It is reported that a version with an additional fuel tank could be developed by reducing the warhead size, allowing the munition to travel over 700 nautical miles — nearly 1,300 km.

The system is also being considered for anti-ship strikes and laying sea mines.

The US Navy believes that the JDAM LR will provide carrier-based aviation with a cheaper alternative to cruise missiles, with the potential for mass production.

The previous version of the JDAM-ER is used by the Ukrainian Air Force. In particular, JDAM-ERs struck an occupier deployment site in Soledar.

Additionally, Militarnyi recently examined in detail the possibility of creating Ukraine’s own precision-guided munitions.

The US Navy recently ordered 405 Patriot missiles for its ships.