Australia Orders Boeing GBU-39 Bombs Worth $386 Million

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia for up to 2,950 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) worth $386 million.

The agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 4, 2016. 

In addition, Australia had also requested for 50 Guided Test Vehicles (GTV) with GBU-39 (T-1)/B (Inert Fuze).

This request also includes containers, weapons system support equipment, support and test equipment, site survey, transportation, repair and return warranties, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training, and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representative engineering, logistics, and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. 

The total estimated value of the major defence equipment is $172 million. The total overall estimated value is $386 million. 

The sale of SDB I supports and complements the on-going sale of the F-35 to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). This capability will strengthen combined operations and increase interoperability between the U.S. Air Force and the RAAF. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The principal contractor for production is Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri.