Israel aims to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers for precision munitions. According to information available to the author from Israeli defense circles, the Ministry of Defense has commissioned the national defense industry to develop heavy precision bombs modeled after the U.S. JDAM. This move comes in response to U.S. arms supply restrictions set to take effect in 2024, which have prompted a fundamental rethinking in Jerusalem regarding ammunition procurement.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense has decided to commission the development and production of heavy precision bombs modeled after the American Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). According to Israeli sources who spoke with the author, the project is part of a broader strategy to significantly expand Israel’s self-sufficiency in the production of key weapons systems, particularly munitions.
Beginning of a Shift in Strategy
This development was triggered by the U.S. government’s partial suspension of deliveries of certain types of ammunition and bombs in May 2024. At that time, President Joe Biden’s administration had suspended the delivery of selected ammunition amid disagreements over the Israeli military’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli defense circles, however, this decision marked far more than just a temporary restriction on individual arms deliveries. Rather, it ushered in a fundamental shift in strategy. “It was very convenient to source these bombs from the U.S.,” an Israeli source told the author. “But the circumstances have changed.”
Israel’s New Focus on National Production
According to Israeli sources, the program to strengthen national defense production was significantly expanded in 2025 and 2026. The focus is now particularly on the development of its own precision munitions, including JDAM-like bombs and other smart air-to-ground weapons.
According to assessments by the Israeli defense industry, the country already possesses all the technological capabilities necessary to independently develop and produce such systems.
Rafael and Elbit Take the Lead in Development
According to information provided to the author by Israeli defense sources, the two leading companies, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, have been tasked with implementing the program. Both firms are reportedly already working on corresponding product lines, and the start of mass production is currently targeted for mid-2027.
No technical details of the program have been disclosed so far.
Combat Experience is Being Incorporated
According to Israeli sources, the Israeli Air Force’s many years of operational experience will have a significant influence on the development of the new generation of bombs. After all, the Israeli armed forces have gained extensive experience in recent years with the use of American precision-guided munitions.
“Given the Israeli Air Force’s extensive operational experience with American precision-guided bombs, the defense industry is expected to develop a highly effective weapon that can also be produced in large quantities,” an Israeli source told the author.
Greater Independence as a Strategic Goal
The new bomb program exemplifies a fundamental shift within Israeli defense planning. Since the delivery restrictions of 2024, the Ministry of Defense has increasingly pursued the goal of developing and producing critical weapons systems and munitions domestically in the future.
From the perspective of Israeli planners, this is no longer just about a single family of missiles. Rather, the aim is to ensure that the armed forces will have sufficient precision munitions at their disposal in future conflicts, regardless of political decisions made by foreign partners. This is a goal that other countries are now increasingly pursuing as well.
Author: Arie Egozi, Israel Correspondent
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