MK82-EP wins orders in France and Germany
The MK82-EP general purpose aircraft bomb is to equip French and German aircraft, manufacturer Rheinmetall announced on 2 December.
More than 2,000 examples have been ordered of this enhanced version of the 500lb MK82 bomb, in contracts worth more than €35 million ($42.32 million).
In the first serial production order, from French defence procurement agency DGA, the MK82-EP will arm Mirage 2000 and Rafale aircraft.
The bomb will also be the warhead of the GBU-54 Laser JDAM (LJDAM) that will be installed on German Tornados and Eurofighters.
The MK82-EP can be deployed in freefall mode or as a precision-guided munition in tandem with Paveway, Enhanced Paveway, JDAM and LJDAM or Armament Air-Sol Modulaire kits.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with (updated 2026)
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet remains in the limelight more than 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and details everything you need to know about the aircraft in 2026.
-
Airbus Helicopters sees defence portfolio’s “strong momentum” continue into 2026
The aerospace company’s 2025 performance figures revealed significant orders from various European armed forces and a boost in demand for its uncrewed offerings.
-
January Drone Digest: MALE, rotary-wing and loitering munition UAVs dominate early 2026
The first month of 2026 has seen activity in the MALE, rotary-wing, and loitering munition UAV markets, with significant investments and commitments from Germany, Turkey, the UAE and the US. At the same time, questions over loitering munition performance in Ukraine highlight the growing scrutiny alongside rising demand.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: Early adopters and big spenders point to UAV market opportunities
While an estimated $37.99bn is still to be awarded across the Asia-Pacific uncrewed aerial vehicle market, the balance of potential future spending is unevenly split between various countries, with significant opportunities to be found in the collaborative combat aircraft space.