The facts of Ukraine receiving and applying JDAM-ER precision-guided glide bombs from the United States had long been obvious yet unconfirmed by any official visual evidence. It had been all statements and speculations in social media until the Ukrainian Air Force revealed them explicitly.
The celebratory post on the occasion of the US Independence Day on July 4 pays respects to the people of the United States and American weapons provided to Ukraine by the overseas ally, with associated photos attached. These photos feature an AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile, Patriot anti-missile air defense system and two JDAM-ER glide bombs.
Read more: How Ukrainian Aircraft Was Adapted to Fire JDAM-Enhanced Bombs and How They Use It
We can identify them as JDAM-ER thanks to the kit with fins attached to the bombs. Additionally, the bombs themselves are identifiable, as well as the aircraft used as the carrier – MiG-29, as we can see the characteristic landing gear and the open compartment for it.
Judging by appearance, the bombs are Mark 82 which have a mass of 500 pounds (230 kg), those are basically a Western analog of the Soviet FAB-250 bombs, very familiar to Ukrainian pilots and technicians. Each Mark 82 contains 87 kg of explosive material called Tritonal, it is 18% more powerful than Trinitrotoluene, a.k.a. TNT.
For reference, JDAM-ER guidance could not only enhances the bomb by providing guidance and extending its range but also enables the carrier to drop the bomb beyond the reach of russian air defense systems. The maximum range of such a glide bomb is about 70 km at an altitude of 12 km, or about 40 km when launched pitch up at a low altitude.
Read more: A Video Made Public in Ukraine May Be Evidence That the AFU's Aircraft are Using American JDAM-ER 'Smart Bombs'
