Exclusive: Ukrainian MiG-29s Deploy US JDAM-ER Bombs in Strategic Strike on Kursk Bridge.

The Ukrainian Air Force has successfully deployed American GBU-62 Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) bombs from Soviet-made MiG-29 fighter jets in a strategic strike against bridge crossings in Russia's Kursk region. A video released by the Ukrainian Air Force on August 30, 2024, showcases this critical operation, marking a major leap in Ukraine’s military capabilities and highlighting the successful integration of advanced NATO weaponry with older Soviet-era aircraft.
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A Ukrainian soldier loads an American GBU-62 JDAM-ER onto a MiG-29 fighter jet of the Ukrainian Air Force (Picture source: Ukrainian Air Force video footage)

The video footage captures several pivotal moments, including a Ukrainian soldier loading a U.S.-supplied GBU-62 JDAM-ER bomb onto a MiG-29 fighter jet, underscoring the hands-on role Ukrainian forces are playing in adapting and utilizing these advanced munitions. Following the loading process, the video shows the MiG-29 launching the JDAM-ER bomb with precision against key bridge crossings, vital for Russian military logistics in the region. The destruction of these bridges is poised to disrupt the movement of Russian troops and supplies, delivering a strategic blow to Russian operations in the ongoing conflict.

The GBU-62 JDAM-ER, produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, is a powerful precision-guided munition that transforms traditional unguided bombs into highly accurate, all-weather strike weapons. With the addition of a GPS-guided tail kit and aerodynamic strakes, the JDAM-ER extends the range of these bombs significantly, allowing for standoff engagements that reduce the risk to the delivering aircraft. This capability, combined with its GPS-aided Inertial Navigation System (INS), ensures that the bomb can hit targets with exceptional precision, making it an indispensable tool in modern combat.

In terms of destructive power, the GBU-62 JDAM-ER typically converts a standard Mark 84 bomb, which weighs around 900 kg, into a guided munition. The Mark 84, known for its substantial explosive yield, can cause significant damage to a wide range of targets, including fortified structures, bridges, and military installations. When paired with the JDAM-ER guidance system, this bomb becomes even more lethal, capable of destroying high-value targets with precision while minimizing collateral damage, making it a critical asset in both strategic and tactical operations.

Integrating such advanced Western munitions into the Soviet-designed MiG-29 presented substantial technical challenges. Originally designed in the 1970s, the MiG-29 was built to carry Soviet and Russian-made weapons, with avionics, weapon control systems, and pylons tailored to these standards.

To overcome these challenges, Ukrainian engineers and military technicians undertook extensive modifications. The MiG-29’s avionics systems were upgraded to interface with Western weapon systems, likely involving new mission computers capable of handling NATO communication protocols and managing the precision-guidance systems of bombs like the JDAM-ER. Additionally, the bomb racks, or pylons, were modified to carry NATO munitions, requiring adjustments to physical structures as well as electrical and data link connections. Software capable of inputting and processing target data, including GPS coordinates, was also integrated or developed, allowing Ukrainian pilots to program the JDAM-ER bombs for precision strikes. Extensive training for pilots and ground crews was conducted, often with the assistance of Western allies, ensuring the successful operation and maintenance of these modified systems.

The successful adaptation of Ukrainian MiG-29s to deploy NATO-standard bombs like the JDAM-ER was significantly bolstered by international military support, particularly from the United States. Earlier this year, in March 2024, the U.S. officially confirmed the delivery of JDAM-ER bombs to Ukraine as part of a broader military aid package. U.S. military advisors and contractors provided critical technical expertise, assisting with the complex integration process and training Ukrainian personnel on the use of these new systems. This cooperation reflects a broader strategy by NATO to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities without requiring the immediate replacement of its entire air force with Western jets—a time-consuming and costly endeavor.

The ability to deploy NATO-standard bombs from Soviet-era MiG-29s marks a significant enhancement in Ukraine’s military capabilities. By targeting bridge crossings in the Kursk region, Ukraine has demonstrated its growing ability to strike deep into Russian-controlled territory with precision, potentially altering the dynamics of the conflict. The integration of advanced Western munitions enables Ukraine to conduct high-precision strikes against critical infrastructure, even in heavily defended areas, with greater safety and accuracy.

This development not only underscores Ukraine’s adaptability and technological ingenuity but also highlights the pivotal role of international military support in the ongoing conflict. As Ukraine continues to defend its territory, the successful integration of such advanced munitions will likely play a crucial role in its strategic operations. The Ukrainian Air Force's deployment of GBU-62 JDAM-ER bombs from MiG-29 fighter jets represents a significant advancement in its military capabilities. This achievement, made possible through a combination of local innovation and international assistance, allows Ukraine to carry out precision strikes against high-value targets, even within well-defended Russian territories. As the conflict with Russia continues, such capabilities will be critical in shaping the outcome of key battles and the broader war effort.