Israel set to gain ability to produce JDAM bombs

Israel is projected to achieve the capability to mass-produce its own Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs within two years, a development set to significantly enhance its warfare capabilities. This initiative, which began in late 2024 under then-defense minister Yoav Gallant, aims to reduce Israel's historical reliance on the U.S. for such weaponry, especially following a partial arms freeze by the Biden administration in May 2024. The effort expanded in 2025-2026 to focus on JDAMs and smarter bombs, building on existing capabilities to convert "dumb" bombs into precision weapons.

• In January 2025, the Defense Ministry signed two agreements with Elbit Systems totaling approximately NIS 1 billion to bolster self-sufficiency.
• Amir Baram, Director-General of the Defense Ministry, emphasized strengthening Israel's defense production base for manufacturing independence while also maintaining international cooperation.
• During conflicts with Iran and Lebanon in March, Baram highlighted increased munitions production with Elbit, stating, "Months of preparation and early readiness have enabled the IDF to operate with virtually no constraints."
• Funding for this surge in homegrown munitions and increased Arrow 3 interceptor production was largely secured through the sale of Arrow interceptors to Germany, which provided billions of dollars to the Defense Ministry.