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U.S. F-15 Crews Tried Lased JDAMs on Iranian Drones as Missiles Ran Out

Air Force leaders say the improvised drops highlighted the need for cheaper, proximity‑fuzed counter‑drone weapons.

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Overview

  • Aircrews from the 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons attempted to use laser-guided JDAMs against low-flying drones during Iran’s April 13, 2024 barrage after expending AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles.
  • Explosions were observed but the drones survived, and squadron leadership quickly ended the tactic over miss risk and broader strategic concerns.
  • Then-AFCENT commander Alexus Grynkewich had provided intent that enabled on-scene initiative, but mission leaders coordinated to halt further JDAM attempts that night.
  • The April attack included roughly 300 drones and missiles, and U.S. and allied aircraft downed about 80 drones before they reached Israel.
  • AFCENT’s Lt. Gen. Derek France confirmed the JDAM attempts and noted the Air Force has since fielded APKWS laser-guided rockets with proximity fuzes, allowing F-15Es to carry up to 42 rockets at less than 10% the cost of an AIM-9X.