Ukraine uses its own 450 kg KABs — a powerful version of the JDAM-ER bomb that even the US Army does not know about

OSINT (open-source intelligence) claims that Ukraine has guided bombs JDAM-ER for 1,000 pounds (453 kg), which are used from 2023 and have not been reported for delivery.

Previously, only 500-pound JDAM-ER GBU-62 (Mk-82) bombs were known, but in early February, the X OSINTtechnical account published footage of a Ukrainian Su-27 dropping new heavy bombs. They are probably based on the Mk-83 airborne mine and may be called GBU-63.

The Ukrainian Air Force just released what appears to be the first footage of a Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker dropping 1000lb JDAM-ER glide bombs on a Russian position.

The Mk83-based JDAMs in this video carry roughly double the explosive mass of previously seen JDAMs. pic.twitter.com/Z64pIWxoPc

— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) January 31, 2025

Interestingly, according to the website The Aviationist, «neither Boeing nor the U.S. Army has mentioned the existence of a 1000-pound JDAM-ER variant». Although the 1000-pound Mk-63 Quickstrike mine exists, the military has never mentioned that it has been modified with JDAM or JDAM-ER kits.

The bombs equipped with the JDAM-ER system have GPS guidance and folding wings that increase the range of their use to 80 km. This distance allows the aircraft to avoid approaching enemy air defenses and avoid being hit — just like the Russian CAB (guided aerial bombs) that the Russians have been using to terrorize Ukrainian cities and military positions along the front line.

The standard JDAM kit consists of a tail section that contains a Global Positioning System/inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) and slats for additional stability and elevation. The JDAM Extended Range (JDAM ER) system is additionally equipped with a low-cost wing kit to increase range.

Ukraine has been receiving JDAM-ER bombs from partners since 2023. They are adapted for Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft using special pylons with additional navigation aids. Aircraft drop these bombs using the technique of cabling (assuming a vertical position with increasing altitude) at low altitude for the best range. Thanks to GPS, the bombs are quite accurate. However, the massive use of electronic warfare (EW) systems by the Russians reduces the effectiveness of any GPS-enabled munitions.

Sources: The Aviationist, Yigal Levin