page_title: Joint Direct Attack Munition
section_title: Operators
hierarchical_section_title: Joint Direct Attack Munition / Operators
caption_attribution_description: English: Map with JDAM operators in blue
context_page_description: The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather precision-guided munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles. JDAM-equipped bombs range from 500 pounds to 2,000 pounds. The JDAM's guidance system was jointly developed by the United States Air Force and United States Navy, hence the "joint" in JDAM. When installed on a bomb, the JDAM kit is given a GBU nomenclature, superseding the Mark 80 or BLU nomenclature of the bomb to which it is attached.
  The JDAM is not a stand-alone weapon; rather it is a "bolt-on" guidance package that converts unguided gravity bombs into precision-guided munitions. The key components of the system consist of a tail section with aerodynamic control surfaces, a strake kit, and a combined inertial guidance system and GPS guidance control unit.
  The JDAM was meant to improve upon laser-guided bomb and imaging infrared technology, which can be hindered by bad ground and weather conditions. Laser seekers are now being fitted to some JDAMs.
context_section_description: Apart from being used by its main user—the United States military—the U.S. government has also approved the JDAM for export sale under the Arms Export Control Act, though in limited numbers to only a few countries.
caption: Map with JDAM operators in blue
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