The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has signed a commercial contract with the government of Germany for the production of Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions (LJDAM) and integration support on Tornado aircraft, marking the first international sale of the LJDAM weapon system. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

LJDAM consists of the standard JDAM guidance tailkit and a Precision Laser Guidance Set (PLGS) kit that acquires and tracks laser target signals. The weapon is designed to accurately and effectively engage both stationary and fast-moving targets. The tailkit and laser guidance set are attached in the field to convert 500-pound bombs into precision laser-guided munitions.

Delivery of the kits is expected to begin in mid-2009. The order includes options for additional kits in 2009.

This is a significant milestone for the Laser JDAM program. We're pleased to bring LJDAM's unique capabilities to our allies," said Dan Jaspering, Boeing Direct Attack program manager. "There is substantial interest in the weapon from the international community, and we expect additional orders in the near future."

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.