The US Navy has advanced its carrier-based air power by successfully testing a new long-range version of its bomb guidance system capable of striking targets from much greater distances.
The weapon, known as the GBU-75 Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM-LR), was tested using an F/A-18 Super Hornet. The demonstration took place at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California, a key site for naval weapons trials.
The JDAM-LR builds on the standard Joint Direct Attack Munition, originally developed by Boeing. Traditional JDAM kits convert unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons using GPS and a tail control system.
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However, they rely on gravity and typically travel about 15 nautical miles, depending on how they are released.
This new long-range version changes that significantly. It adds deployable wings and a compact propulsion system, allowing the weapon to travel far beyond the limits of earlier versions. The propulsion unit includes a small turbojet engine built by Kratos, while the wing system is developed by Ferra Engineering.
These upgrades allow the JDAM-LR to fly for hundreds of miles. This effectively turns the bomb into a low-cost, cruise-missile-like weapon, without requiring entirely new launch platforms.
During the April 1 test, the munition flew about 200 nautical miles in 34 minutes. It struck its target with high precision, landing within just a few meters of the intended point, according to Boeing.
The test also confirmed that the weapon could safely separate from the aircraft, maintain stable flight, and accurately navigate to its target.
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A second test on April 3 followed a slightly different flight profile. This time, the weapon performed altitude changes and maneuvers during its journey, while maintaining overall performance similar to that in the first test.
Officials say one of the biggest advantages of the JDAM-LR is its ease of use. Since it is designed to work with aircraft already equipped for JDAMs, the Navy can introduce it quickly without major changes to its fleet.
Capt. Sarah Abbott, program manager for Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201), highlighted the operational benefit. She said the system allows pilots to engage targets from much safer distances while keeping an advantage in contested environments.
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Boeing also emphasized the cost factor. Bob Ciesla, vice president of Precision Engagement Systems, said the weapon brings cruise missile-like capability to the JDAM family at a much lower price, making it suitable for large-scale production.
The Navy is now moving forward with more testing and integration work. The goal is to prepare the JDAM-LR for operational deployment, giving carrier-based aircraft a powerful new tool for long-range strike missions.
