Israel Set to Procure $6.75 Billion Worth of GPS-Guided Bombs from the US
On 7 February 2025, the U.S. State Department approved a $6.75 billion Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel, providing munitions, guidance kits, fuzes, and support equipment. The announcement comes following Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s six-day trip to the US. This package includes GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs and JDAM kits, enhancing Israel’s airstrike precision and operational readiness. The JDAM kits and bombs are compatible with Israel’s F-15I, F-16I, and F-35I fighter jets, strengthening its defense capabilities. This approval follows a surge in U.S. Foreign Military Sales, which hit a record $318.7 billion in FY 2024. This deal highlights the continued U.S.-Israel defense partnership, ensuring Israel maintains a technological edge in the region.
The package features 2,166 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I), 2,800 MK82 500-pound general-purpose bombs, and a large quantity of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits. The JDAM package includes 13,000 kits for MK84 bomb bodies, 3,475 for BLU-109 bomb bodies, and 1,004 for GBU-38v1 configurations. Additionally, Israel will receive 17,475 FMU-152A/B and FMU-139 fuzes, along with bomb components and logistics support. Deliveries are set to begin in 2025.
(Picture source: Israeli MoD)
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) will integrate these weapons into its fleet, including the F-15I Ra’am, F-16I Sufa, and F-35I Adir. The GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB-I) is a 250-pound precision-guided munition designed for accurate strikes with minimal collateral damage. Its small size allows aircraft to carry multiple bombs per mission, increasing target engagement per sortie. The bomb uses GPS guidance for all-weather accuracy, making it highly effective in modern warfare.
The MK82 General Purpose Bomb is a widely used 500-pound unguided bomb for air-to-ground operations. When equipped with JDAM kits, it transforms into a precision-guided bomb capable of striking both stationary and moving targets with high accuracy. JDAM kits also enhance the precision of other bombs, such as the MK84 and BLU-109.
The deal also includes FMU-152A/B and FMU-139 fuzes, which provide programmable detonation options, including airburst, impact, and delayed explosions. These fuzes allow the bombs to effectively target different types of threats, from hardened structures to open-area targets. This major arms sale strengthens Israel’s defense capabilities, ensuring its air force remains well-equipped for future operations.
(Israeli MoD)
Since the start of the October 2023 conflict with Hamas, U.S.-Israel defense cooperation has grown considerably, with the United States providing billions in military aid and arms sales. This includes the delivery of hundreds of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs), locally named “Para,” to enhance Israel’s ground forces.
At least $12.5 billion in military assistance has been approved through U.S. legislation, including $3.8 billion from a March 2024 bill and $8.7 billion from an April 2024 supplemental appropriations act. In addition to aid, major arms sales have been executed, including a $660 million deal for Hellfire missiles, further strengthening Israel’s defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions. The increased U.S. military support highlights the strong alliance between the two nations, ensuring Israel maintains a strategic edge in the region.