The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance tail kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurate “smart” munitions. JDAM improves the accuracy of unguided, general purpose bombs in any weather condition by adding a new tail section that contains an inertial navigational system and a global positioning system guidance control unit.

A joint U. S. Air Force and Department of Navy program, the JDAM is a low cost conversion tool and not a stand-alone weapon system. After Desert Storm, the military realized it had a shortfall in air-to-surface capability. JDAM helped improve precision in extreme weather conditions and accuracy in medium and high altitudes