MK82-EP wins orders in France and Germany
Enhanced version of 500lb general purpose bomb will be used by Eurofighter, Mirage, Rafale and Tornado aircraft
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
-
![USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule]()
USAF opens B-52 upgrade to new companies as major programmes fall behind schedule
The US Air Force is seeking additional contractors to support communications upgrades for the B-52, while multiple Stratofortress modernisation programmes continue to experience delays, cost growth and technical challenges.
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
