Israel In Talks With U.S To Procure JDAM, Bombs

Israel is looking to acquire thousands of GPS-guided weapons from the United States in a contract worth potentially $647 million. The sale will include a broad array of bombs ranging from 250 pounds to 2,000 pounds, according to a Pentagon statement. Tel Aviv wants to procure 6,900 bombs and GPS-guided tail kits, called Joint Direct Attack Munitions and 3,450 Small Diameter Bombs built by Boeing. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” said a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. “This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. “The proposed sale of munitions will enable Israel to maintain operational capability of its existing systems,” the statement said. “Israel, which already has these munitions in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional munitions into its armed forces”. The notification of the sale comes at a time when tensions in the Middle East are extremely high over Iran’s nuclear program.