Israel to produce own JDAM bombs within two years, boosting defense capabilities

Israel is set to revolutionize its warfare capabilities by mass-producing its own Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs within two years, The Jerusalem Post has learned. This strategic move aims to bolster the nation's self-sufficiency in weapons production, a goal that gained urgency after the Biden administration imposed a partial arms freeze on certain bombs to Israel in May 2024.

The initial push, ordered by former defense minister Yoav Gallant and guided by recommendations from Jacob Turkel's commission, focused on increasing domestic production of "dumb bombs." However, this has since evolved into a broader strategy to achieve greater independence in weapons manufacturing, particularly for precision-guided munitions like JDAMs. These kits convert unguided bombs into all-weather PGMs, significantly enhancing their effectiveness.

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has led a tremendous effort to ensure the supply of weapons, equipment, technology, and everything required to enable the IDF to fight and prevail.

In a significant step towards this goal, the Defense Ministry signed two major agreements with Elbit Systems in January 2025, totaling approximately NIS 1 billion. These deals are part of a strategic effort to strengthen the IDF’s self-sufficiency and operational readiness, encompassing both munitions and raw materials. This move underscores Israel's commitment to reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, especially during times of crisis.

Amir Baram, director-general of the Defense Ministry, highlighted the "tremendous effort" to ensure the supply of essential military resources. He emphasized the importance of pursuing "two parallel tracks: on one hand, strengthening Israel's defense production base to ensure manufacturing independence, and on the other hand, strengthening cooperation and political and defense relations with our allies around the world." This dual approach aims to maintain strategic supply chains and further enhance the IDF's capabilities.

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two parallel tracks: on one hand, strengthening Israel's defense production base to ensure manufacturing independence, and on the other hand, strengthening cooperation and political and defense relations with our allies around the world, to maintain such an airlift, both in routine and emergencies, and to further strengthen the IDF's capabilities.