Aircraft

Boeing is to deliver and integrate its laser JDAM precision-weapons kit with the German air force’s Panavia Tornado interdictor strike fleet, under the first international sale for the GPS- and laser-guidance system.

Germany has signed a commercial contract with Boeing for LJDAM kits under undisclosed terms that include at least a one-year option, the company says. Deliveries are expected to begin in mid-2009, with the kits to be integrated with 226kg (500lb)-class weapons.

© Luftwaffe

Boeing developed the LJDAM to address the need to attack moving targets with precision-guided weapons, and the US Air Force last year became its first customer for the design.

"There is substantial interest in the [JDAM] weapon from the international community, and we expect additional orders in the near future," says Boeing Direct Attack programme manager Dan Jaspering.