2007-08: Israel Looks to Replenish Bomb Stocks
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On Aug 3/07, the US DSCA formally announced Israel’s request [PDF] for various US bombs and precision guidance kits. Requested items include 10,000 live MK-84 2,000-lb. bombs; 1,500 live MK-82 500-lb. bombs; 2,000 live BLU-109 2,000-lb. bombs with penetrator warheads; JDAM tail kits that add GPS/INS guidance to bombs (10,000); Paveway II laser-guidance kits for the 500-lb. MK-82 (2,500), the 1,000-lb. MK-83 (500), and the 2,000 pound MK-84 (1,000) bombs; 10,000 FMU-139 live fuze components; 10,000 FMU-152 live fuze components; and 50 GBU-28 Enhanced Paveway III 5,000-lb. ‘bunker buster’ laser/GPS guided live bombs. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $465 million.
Israel already has all of these munitions in its inventory, which was depleted during its 2006 war against Hezbollah, Syria, and Iran. It also produces many similar devices domestically, but can allocate American foreign assistance dollars to pay American firms and so Israel always finds itself balancing domestic capabilities and spending against American industry purchases. Amidst rumors of a planned attack by Iran, Syria, and Hezbollah in late 2007, rapid replenishment may also be a consideration. The principal contractors will be:
- Boeing subsidiary McDonnell Douglas Corporation in St. Charles, MO (JDAM kits)
- Alliant Techsystems Incorporated in Janesville, WI (ATK makes fuzes and explosives)
- Alliant Techsystems Incorporated in Clearwater, FL
- Lockheed-Martin Aerospace Corporation in Fort Worth, TX (Paveway orders, note trademark dispute with Raytheon)
- Northrop Grumman Company in Los Angeles, CA
- Honeywell Corporation in Clearwater, FL
- General Dynamics in Garland, TX (Mk82 & Mk84 bomb bodies)
