Why the JDAM is a Better Choice than Artillery in Some Scenarios
Air strikes offer several advantages over artillery in some cases. One of the main reasons is the range of the JDAM. The JDAM-ER, for example, can be launched from up to 43 nautical miles (80 km) away from the target, which allows the aircraft to stay out of the range of most enemy air defenses. Artillery, on the other hand, has a much shorter range, typically around 18 to 25 miles (30 to 40 km) for modern howitzers. This means that artillery units may have to move closer to the enemy and expose themselves to counter-battery fire or ground attacks.
Another advantage of the JDAM is its accuracy. The JDAM can hit within 5 meters (16 feet) of the target or less, thanks to its GPS and INS guidance system. Artillery shells, even with advanced guidance systems, have a larger margin of error, usually around 50 meters (164 feet) or more. This means that the JDAM can achieve a higher probability of kill and reduce collateral damage, especially in urban or populated areas.
A third advantage of the JDAM is its versatility. The JDAM can be fitted to a variety of bombs, from 500 to 2,000 pounds (230 to 910 kg), and can be used against a wide range of targets, from bunkers and bridges to vehicles and personnel. Artillery shells, on the other hand, have a limited payload and effect, and may not be able to penetrate hardened or buried targets. Moreover, the JDAM can be updated with new target coordinates in flight, allowing for dynamic re-targeting or aborting the mission if necessary. Artillery shells, once fired, cannot be controlled or recalled.
Of course, this does not mean that the JDAM is superior to artillery in every situation. Artillery has its own advantages, such as lower cost, faster response time, longer endurance, and greater availability. Artillery can also provide continuous fire support and suppressive fire, which the JDAM cannot. Therefore, the choice between the JDAM and artillery depends on the mission objectives, the threat environment, and the available resources. Both are valuable tools in the arsenal of modern warfare.
