At the ILA International Air Show in Berlin, Diehl Defence and Boeing Defense, Space & Security signed a Teaming Agreement on cooperation of GBU-54 Laser JDAM weapon systems in Germany, the German defense company said on May 2, 2018.

Staff Sgt. Chris White, USAF 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew chief, loads a GBU-54 to an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a 30-day inspection at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Jan. 15, 2016
(Credit: U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Robert Cloys)

Boeing's GBU-54 is a precision ammunition comprising an unguided, Mk-82 series warhead (500–pound bomb body) and Boeing’s Laser JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) guidance kit enabling the weapon to be guided precisely to the target. Through the combination of GPS/INS navigation, laser seeker and target designation, stationary and mobile targets can also be engaged in adverse weather conditions. 

The GBU-54 is a combat proven air-to-surface weapon already in inventory and integrated onto the Tornado and could also improve the air-to-ground mission capability of the German Eurofighter. By this cooperation, the partners want to offer the Bundeswehr above all two advantages: utilizing one of the most modern weapon systems available in the market plus on-site support by a national missile system house with experience in the management of inventory and integration of equipment and weapon systems on a range of aircraft, including the Eurofighter. 

Boeing has been an active partner in the German aerospace industry for many decades and continues to be a strong contributor to the country’s economy through its supply chain and partnerships with local industry. The cooperation with Diehl is an example of how Boeing can offer industrial partnership opportunities across its enterprise, while supporting long-term growth for German companies of all sizes and areas of expertise.