The U.S. Navy has demonstrated a winged, long range JDAM variant designed to extend the reach of carrier based strike missions.

During testing at the Navy’s Point Mugu Sea Range in California, the munition designated the GBU-75 Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range was launched from an F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The upgrade adds propulsion and wings to convert traditional unguided bombs into precision strikes capable of reaching hundreds of miles.

This effort builds on the existing Joint Direct Attack Munition, a Boeing developed guidance kit that converts unguided bombs into precision guided munitions.

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The long range variant uses a compact propulsion system that includes a Kratos turbojet engine and deployable wings from Ferra Engineering to extend the weapon’s reach.

This system is designed to integrate with aircraft already capable of hosting JDAMs, allowing for rapid fielding across the fleet.

Because it is designed to integrate with aircraft already fielded to carry JDAMs, the Navy can bring this capability online with limited additional training or airframe changes.

That integration is meant to minimize cost and risk while expanding the fleet’s stand off options.

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During the demonstration, the Navy validated safe separation from the launch aircraft, controlled flight toward a designated target, and compatibility with onboard systems, according to an April 20 Navy release.

The April 1 test involving the F/A-18 Super Hornet saw the munition fly approximately 200 nautical miles in 34 minutes and strike within meters of its intended target.

Image Credit: DoW

Capt. Sarah Abbott, the PMA-201 program manager, said the capability allows pilots to “engage targets from significantly safer distances, maintaining a tactical advantage in contested environments.”

The statement captures the practical shift in how air crews can operate under contested conditions and underscores the broader strategic logic behind the effort.

Bob Ciesla, Boeing's Precision Engagement Systems vice president, stated in a company release, “This weapon brings the cruise missile concept to the JDAM family at a lower cost, enabling large production quantities,” underscoring the program's potential to reshape long range strike.

The bold assertion emphasizes affordability and scalability as the project moves toward wider adoption.

Boeing also noted that the extended-range capability builds on the existing inventory and offers a low-cost option for long-range strike missions.

The company emphasized that the JDAM-LR extends the reach of a mature family of weapons, a factor supporters argue helps deter adversaries while keeping a lid on procurement costs.

The JDAM-LR team is now focused on additional testing and integration efforts as the Navy moves toward operational deployment.

Officials say the aim is to provide a scalable, affordable solution that can be fielded across a broad portion of the carrier air wing.

Supporters view the effort as a practical extension of President Trump’s push for a modern and ready armed force. At the same time, the program remains mindful of reliability and risk management as it moves toward deployment.

The Navy has signaled that continued testing will validate performance under a range of conditions and release further guidance for operators.

Overall, the JDAM-LR represents a deliberate step toward expanding stand off capabilities without demanding a wholesale redesign of current platforms.

As War Secretary Pete Hegseth and a Trump administration determined to strengthen deterrence prioritize decisive power abroad, the Navy’s winged JDAM could play a key role in shaping future strategic options.

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