Norway to buy Small Diameter Bombs for $293M

Norway could likely finalize a deal with Raytheon for Small Diameter Bombs (SDB)-II worth $293 million, since it has been given the go-ahead from the U.S. State Department.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

Norway wants to buy 600 GBU-53/B, SDB-II All-Up-Rounds (AURs) and related equipment and support, the DSCA said in a statement.

The GBU-53/B SDB II is an air-launched, precision-strike standoff weapon that will enable the warfighter to defeat moving and fixed targets. Using a GPS/INS system to guide to the vicinity of a moving target, the weapon has the capability to receive updated target coordinates mid-flight via two-way datalink (Link-16 or UHF) communications.  Using these network options, SDB II allows airborne or ground controllers the ability to send in-flight target updates and the capability to abort a mission post-release.

The smart munition sale for Norway’s F-35A fleet will bolster the country’s air and defense capabilities, the DSCA said.