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SOURCE: AFI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently expanded its arsenal of smart munitions with the induction of the Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER), a U.S.-built weapon system. Following the integration of Israeli SPICE bombs and French AASM HAMMER, the JDAM-ER adds to the IAF’s growing repertoire of precision-guided munitions. While the JDAM might be the oldest and simplest of these systems, its low cost and effectiveness have made it a widely used tool in modern warfare.

The JDAM transforms “dumb bombs” into precision-guided munitions by attaching a tail section equipped with an Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance unit. These modifications allow for highly accurate bombing, even in adverse weather conditions, by guiding bombs to their target using satellite signals. The tail fins also provide extended range, with JDAM-equipped bombs reaching distances of over 70 kilometers.

What makes JDAM stand out is its cost-effectiveness. According to the U.S. Navy, the unit cost of a JDAM kit is approximately $24,164, far cheaper than other advanced guidance systems like SPICE and HAMMER. This affordability has resulted in widespread use, with over 400,000 JDAM kits supplied to the U.S. military and 26 international users, including Pakistan, which operates JDAMs on its fleet of F-16 fighter jets.

Despite its simplicity, the JDAM has a vulnerability — its reliance on satellite guidance, which can be disrupted by electronic warfare technologies. Countries such as China have been working on GPS jamming systems that could interfere with the JDAM’s accuracy in a combat scenario, making it less reliable in a conflict involving advanced adversaries.

In comparison, the Israeli Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective (SPICE) system offers a more advanced, GPS-independent guidance solution. SPICE uses a combination of satellite guidance and an Electro-Optical Seeker (EOS) that visually scans and matches targets to a pre-loaded image in the weapon’s onboard computer. This “scene-matching” capability gives the weapon an edge in environments where GPS signals might be unreliable or jammed.

SPICE bombs can be reprogrammed mid-flight to engage alternate targets or adjust their impact angle to increase destructive power. With a range of 60 kilometers for 907 kg bombs and 100 kilometers for 454 kg bombs, SPICE provides greater standoff capability, allowing aircraft to strike from a distance and remain outside enemy air defense ranges. Rafael, the manufacturer of SPICE, has also integrated artificial intelligence and deep learning into the system, improving its ability to engage moving targets.

The Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range (HAMMER), developed by France’s Safran, is unique in that it combines the characteristics of both a missile and a glide bomb. Unlike the unpowered JDAM and SPICE kits, HAMMER integrates a propulsion system, which allows it to be launched at ranges of up to 70 kilometers, even at low altitudes or in challenging terrain. This propulsion capability enables the HAMMER to engage targets in hilly regions or other environments where normal glide bombs might struggle.

The HAMMER can be fitted with various guidance systems, including satellite, infrared seeker, and laser, providing flexibility in mission planning. Additionally, the system can be adapted to different bomb sizes, ranging from 125 kg to 1,000 kg, the latter being particularly effective in “bunker buster” missions.

However, the advanced technology and added propulsion of the HAMMER come at a higher cost. In 2017, reports indicated that Safran was working to reduce the price of the HAMMER from 120,000 Euros to around 80,000 Euros per unit — still significantly more expensive than the JDAM.

While all three systems offer enhanced precision, their underlying technology, versatility, and cost vary greatly. The JDAM, being the simplest, is also the most affordable, making it the go-to choice for the U.S. military and many of its allies. The scale of U.S. military procurement ensures that JDAMs are produced in large numbers, driving down the cost. In contrast, SPICE and HAMMER, both produced in smaller quantities by Israel and France, are more expensive due to limited economies of scale.

Yet, the SPICE and HAMMER offer capabilities that go beyond the JDAM’s basic GPS-guidance, such as the ability to engage moving targets, greater range, and in the case of the HAMMER, propulsion. The SPICE’s GPS-independent capability and advanced targeting system make it highly effective in environments where electronic warfare could disrupt GPS signals. Similarly, the HAMMER’s propulsion gives it flexibility in more challenging operational environments, including low-altitude strikes.

Recently, the IAF’s Tejas Mk1A light combat aircraft was spotted carrying Boeing’s JDAM-ER, further enhancing its strike capabilities. The JDAM-ER, an extended-range version of the standard JDAM, adds small wings to increase its range to over 70 kilometers, making it an attractive option for standoff attacks. With the integration of the JDAM-ER, SPICE, and HAMMER, the Tejas Mk1A now boasts a versatile and diverse array of smart munitions, giving it the flexibility to adapt to different operational scenarios.

The JDAM, despite being one of the oldest smart bomb guidance kits in service, remains highly effective due to its simplicity, reliability, and low cost. However, as warfare evolves and electronic warfare capabilities advance, the limitations of satellite-guided systems like the JDAM have become apparent. In response, systems like SPICE and HAMMER have been developed to address these challenges, offering enhanced guidance options and greater flexibility in the battlefield.