Boeing announced on April 20, 2026, the successful flight demonstration of the GBU-75 Powered Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM-LR) in coordination with the U.S. Navy. The test, conducted at a naval weapons range, showcased the integration of a small turbojet engine onto the existing JDAM-ER airframe. This modification transforms the traditional unpowered glide bomb into a low-cost, precision-guided cruise missile capable of hitting targets at significant standoff distances.
The GBU-75 utilizes a 500-pound class warhead and features a modular propulsion kit developed by Boeing in partnership with Technical Directions Inc., a subsidiary of Kratos Defense and Security Solutions. The addition of the turbojet engine allows the munition to achieve a range of approximately 200 nautical miles. This represents a nearly fivefold increase over the 45-nautical-mile range of the unpowered JDAM-ER. According to Boeing technical specifications, the system maintains the GPS-aided inertial navigation system common to the JDAM family, ensuring precision guidance throughout the extended flight profile.
The U.S. Navy’s interest in the Powered JDAM-LR stems from a requirement for high-volume, affordable standoff weapons to counter sophisticated integrated air defense systems. By utilizing existing JDAM inventory and established production lines, Boeing aims to provide a solution that is significantly less expensive than traditional cruise missiles like the AGM-158 JASSM. Rear Admiral Stephen Tedford, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, stated that the GBU-75 fills a critical gap in the Navy’s strategy to achieve affordable mass, allowing carrier-based aircraft to engage targets from outside the reach of most land-based surface-to-air missiles.
Boeing confirmed that the Powered JDAM-LR is designed for compatibility with multiple launch platforms, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F-35C Lightning II. The company stated that the modular nature of the propulsion kit allows for rapid scaling of production. While specific contract values for the initial demonstration phase were not disclosed, Boeing indicated that the program is moving toward a low-rate initial production phase following further integration testing. The project is managed under Boeing’s Phantom Works division, which focuses on advanced defense technologies and rapid prototyping.
Bob Ciesla, Boeing Vice President of Precision Engagement Systems, said the successful demonstration represents a leap forward in providing flexible, long-range strike options. The company intends to conduct additional tests throughout the remainder of 2026 to validate the munition's performance in contested electronic warfare environments and against moving maritime targets. This development follows a series of design reviews and ground tests conducted over the previous eighteen months to ensure the reliability of the turbojet integration.