BERLIN (Agencies): Germany’s Tornado combat aircraft recently participated in the Pacific Skies 24 exercise in Alaska, honing their skills in dropping GBU-54 laser-guided precision bombs. During these drills, the Tornadoes descended to an impressively low flight altitude of 30 meters (98 feet) before releasing the bombs—a tactic that allows them to evade enemy radar detection.
The GBU-54 laser-guided precision bomb (also known as the LJDAM) combines the precision of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) with laser-guided accuracy. It features a tail section equipped with an Inertial Navigation System (INS), a Global Positioning System (GPS), and a semi-active laser seeker. This dual-mode weapon can engage both stationary and moving ground targets.
Developed jointly by Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany, the Tornado comes in three primary variants: IDS (Interdictor/Strike), ECR (Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance), and ADV (Air Defence Variant).
The Tornado played a crucial role during the Gulf War and participated in various conflicts worldwide.
Its ability to operate under enemy radars makes it a formidable asset.
The Pacific Skies 24 exercise involves more than 30 fighter planes, helicopters, transport aircraft, and tanker aircraft from Germany, France, and Spain.
These joint maneuvers span locations in Alaska, Japan, Australia, India, and Hawaii and will continue until mid-August.