The US ordered GBU-39 bombs for Ukraine

1 October, 2024 GBU-39 SDB (Small Diameter Bomb) under the F-15E. Photo credits: U.S. Air Force

The United States has ordered new batches of GBU-39/B small diameter bombs for its Air Force and foreign customers. Ukraine is among the countries that will receive these precision-guided munitions. On September 30, the U.S.

Department of Defense announced the signing of a multi-year contract with Boeing. The contract, with a maximum possible value of £6.9 billion, covers the production and delivery of an unspecified number of GBU-39/B small diameter bombs until approximately December 31, 2035. This agreement provides for the supply of such bombs to Japan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine as part of Foreign Military Sales (FMS).

Back in May, it was reported that the Ukrainian Air Force adapted Soviet-era combat aircraft to use American GBU-39 bombs.

Ukrainian F-16 fighters. August 2024. Photo credits: Ukrainian Air Force

Such small-diameter bombs can also be used by Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets.

GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB)

GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is an American light high-precision aircraft bomb that weighs 130 kilograms and has a diameter of about 190 mm and a length of about 1.8 m.

The maximum range is up to 110 km, provided that it is dropped from a high altitude. The bomb's wings are released in flight, significantly increasing its range. When diving at a target from a high altitude, the tungsten tip can penetrate concrete shelters.

GBU-39 of the SDB family guided bomb.

Illustration by Metrea Simulations

The firing system allows one to select an air burst before dropping and a delayed burst after impact. The accuracy of the hit is achieved with the help of an onboard control system with an inertial system and GPS. According to The Washington Post, these bombs have proven to be resistant to interference from Russian electronic warfare systems.

Their small size also makes them difficult for Russian air defense systems to detect and intercept.