Israel Moves to Produce Smart Bombs Locally to Reduce US Dependence

Israel's prolonged conflict has highlighted its heavy reliance on US-supplied munitions, prompting the Israeli defense establishment to significantly expand domestic production of smart bombs. For the first time, Israel plans to open local production lines for JDAM kits, which convert conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions. This move aims to close long-standing supply gaps, replenish stockpiles, and reduce dependence on American sources for critical components needed in extended warfare.

Smart bombs encompass a wide range of munitions differing in weight, range, and targeting methods. Some use GPS guidance, others rely on laser or electro-optical targeting, and some allow aircraft to release weapons from long distances. The Israeli Air Force currently operates a mix of American and Israeli smart munitions tailored to various targets and combat zones.

The JDAM kit, produced by Boeing, is a key example. It attaches to standard Mk-80 bombs, adding inertial navigation and GPS guidance to enable accurate strikes in all weather conditions. These kits come in weights from 500 to 2,000 pounds and are used against bunkers, ammunition depots, command centers, and fortified infrastructure. Alongside JDAMs, the Air Force uses Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) that glide long distances after release, allowing more munitions per sortie and smaller warheads for less heavily defended targets.

Laser-guided bombs like the American Paveway series use laser designation from aircraft or ground forces to home in on targets. Israel has also developed its own precision munitions, such as Rafael's SPICE family, which uses electro-optical targeting by comparing real-time images to preloaded target photos, enabling strikes even when GPS is jammed or unavailable.

To counter enemy air defenses, Israel employs stand-off weapons like the Rampage missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Elbit Systems. This fast, long-range air-to-ground missile allows attacking high-value targets from a safe distance. Other Israeli-made munitions include Elbit's MPR concrete-penetrating bombs and Rafael's Spike electro-optical missiles, with the Spike NLOS variant capable of hitting targets beyond direct line of sight.

The push for increased domestic production is not new but was underscored by a State Comptroller report in May, which found that Israel lost key raw material production capabilities over two decades due to preference for cheaper foreign procurement. This dependence limited Israel's operational freedom and endangered soldiers during the recent conflict. The report also noted that some munitions stockpiles were below target levels before the October 7 outbreak and that a 2021 decision to double production lines lacked funding.

Despite Israel's advanced defense industries, much of the Air Force's heavy munitions still rely on American manufacturing, often funded by US aid. In intense, prolonged warfare, Israel consumes large quantities of munitions quickly and depends on both pre-purchased stock and additional US supplies. This reliance carries political risks, as the US government can delay or halt shipments, as seen in 2024 when the Biden administration postponed heavy bomb deliveries amid disputes over operations in Rafah.