Multi-year defence contract: Boeing to supply bombs for US, Ukraine
The US Department of Defense announced signing a multi-year contract with Boeing to produce GBU-39/B aerial bombs for the US Air Force and foreign customers, including Ukraine. Ukraine will be able to use the bombs during attacks with Western F-16 fighters. Here is a reminder of what GBU-39/B bombs are.
Japan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine are among the foreign customers receiving GBU-39/B aerial bombs. As reported by the Bulgarian Military, this will be weaponry from batch 20-29, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2035. The US Department of Defense is not disclosing detailed information about the contract.
New bombs for Ukraine
The GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) was introduced into service with the USAF in 2006. These are small guided bombs weighing 122 kg, with 93 kg designated for the warhead. Although they are "featherweights" among aerial bombs, their accuracy within even one metre makes them extremely effective. The bomb can detonate in the air, creating a deadly shower of fragments, or with a delay after penetrating an obstacle, such as a building wall.
The SBD bombs are ideal for attacking heavily fortified positions or reinforced hangars at airports. They are guided using satellite and inertial navigation. A variant of the GBU-39/B uses a laser beam, allowing for 100 percent precision even under GPS jamming conditions. The bombs have foldable wings, allowing them to reach targets several tens of kilometres away when dropped from a high altitude.
Use of bombs by the Ukrainians
Ukrainians can effectively use GBU-39/B bombs with F-16 fighters. With the capability of carrying these bombs on F-16 aircraft, Ukrainians will be able to precisely and effectively strike Russian positions, even those that are heavily fortified. Bombs with a range of several tens of kilometres will allow fighters to stay out of the reach of short-range air defences, increasing operational safety and the chances of successful mission execution.
The ability to drop GBU-39/B from F-16s will also enable simultaneous attacks on multiple targets, thanks to precise guidance and an effective warhead. This is a powerful tool in the Ukrainian arsenal that could significantly impact the course of the conflict.
