The U.S. Air Force Invests in Boeing’s New Long-Range Guided Bomb
The U.S. Air Force is taking a significant step forward in its military capabilities by investing $75 million in the production of a new jet-powered guided bomb. This bomb, developed by Boeing, can travel over 300 nautical miles, as announced by the company on Wednesday.
Boeing’s innovative BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Unit is a kit that transforms a 500-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) into a long-range version known as the GBU-75. This development effectively extends the reach of a traditional gravity bomb to that of a cruise missile.
Boeing has independently invested nearly $100 million into this program, underscoring its commitment to advancing military technology. Bob Ciesla, vice president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, stated, “Scaling production of the GBU-75 will provide the fleet with an affordable, sustainable solution designed to eliminate long-range land and sea-based threats to U.S. and international forces.”
The BSU-111/B kit represents the latest evolution in the JDAM series. Previous modifications included a tail kit that extended the bomb’s range to 15 nautical miles and a wing kit that increased it to 40 nautical miles. The new Kratos-designed TDI-J85 engine now propels the bomb over 300 nautical miles.
The JDAM LR’s capabilities extend beyond land strikes. The QuickStrike Long Range mining variant pairs it with a ship-tracking sensor, demonstrating its versatility. Although Boeing has proposed equipping Air Force bombers with large quantities of these munitions, no formal purchase by the Air Force has been disclosed.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Hill Air Force Base in Utah handles the procurement of JDAMs for both the Air Force and the U.S. Navy. The initial batch of GBU-75s is destined for the Navy. The Navy tested the weapon in April, when Super Hornets released two JDAM LRs over the Point Mugu Sea Range off California.
One test on April 1 demonstrated the bomb’s capability by launching cleanly, firing its engine, and reaching its target after a 34-minute flight. Another test on April 3 included altitude changes and maneuvering, with both tests covering approximately 200 nautical miles.
In April, Capt. Sarah Abbott, the Navy’s Precision Strike Weapons program manager, emphasized the importance of enhancing the JDAMs’ standoff range. “This new capability allows pilots to engage targets from significantly safer distances, maintaining a tactical advantage in contested environments,” she noted.
The program’s attractiveness lies in its use of existing infrastructure. According to Navy budget documents, JDAM LR is built on the current production line and guidance hardware, allowing any jet capable of deploying a conventional JDAM to carry the new variant without modifications.
The contract, which was not listed in the Pentagon’s daily contract announcements as of August 5, is an undefinitized action. This means Boeing began work before agreeing on a price with the Air Force. The Government Accountability Office has previously highlighted the risks of such contracts, as they reimburse contractors for allowable costs regardless of final agreements.
Boeing has not disclosed the number of GBU-75 units included in the contract, their cost, or the timeline for deliveries.
