Gaza Hospital Explosion Brings Focus on Joint Direct Attack Munition

Israel’s alleged use of a bomb equipped with a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kit to hit the 140-year-old Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza killing 500 people has raised curiosity on what a JDAM really is.

Israel has denied it bombed the hospital claiming that the extensive damage was caused by a misfired Hamas rocket.

The JDAM is a guidance kit designed to convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. Developed by Boeing, the JDAM has become a staple in the arsenals of many military forces around the world. What sets JDAM apart is its ability to navigate towards its target with GPS guidance, enabling its payload to hit with pinpoint accuracy.

Precision Bombing Capability of JDAMs:

JDAMs are a preferred choice for military forces seeking to minimize collateral damage. They can hit a target with a 1.7-meter circular error of probability (CEP), according to Boeing.

These munitions offer the following benefits:

JDAM kits use GPS to guide bombs to their intended targets, ensuring a high degree of accuracy. This minimizes the risk of stray bombs causing unintended harm.

JDAM kits can be integrated into a wide range of bomb types, providing flexibility to match the desired explosive power and purpose of the mission.

Watch video: JDAM Bomb, not Hamas Rocket, Caused Gaza Hospital Blast that Killed Over 500 Palestinians

JDAM Laser Guidance:

While JDAMs primarily rely on GPS guidance, laser guidance systems have been integrated to enhance precision further. These laser JDAMs are particularly useful in situations where GPS signals may be jammed or disrupted.

Different Types of JDAM Kit/Bombs:

The versatility of JDAM technology lies in the availability of various bomb types that can be fitted with JDAM kits:

Mk-82 JDAM: The Mk-82 is a 500-pound class bomb often used for precision strikes. The JDAM kit allows it to achieve pinpoint accuracy.

Mk-84 JDAM: A 2,000-pound class bomb, the Mk-84 JDAM is suitable for larger targets that require a significant explosive payload.

BLU-109 JDAM: The BLU-109 is a penetrating warhead designed to destroy hardened or deeply buried targets. JDAM guidance enhances its accuracy, making it even more effective.

Laser JDAMs: As mentioned earlier, laser JDAMs utilize laser guidance for pinpoint accuracy, complementing GPS guidance in situations where GPS signals might be unreliable.

Extended Range JDAM (ER JDAM): These kits extend the range of JDAM munitions, enhancing the strike capability by enabling bombs to hit targets from greater distances.

When JDAM carries an explosive warhead, an explosion occurs upon impact with the target. The size and type of explosion depend on the specific JDAM kit and bomb configuration used. JDAMs can be equipped with various warhead types, including high-explosive, bunker-busting, or penetrator warheads, depending on the intended target.