U.S.A.F. Orders StormBreaker Bombs

The Pentagon has awarded Raytheon a contract valued $325 million for the StormBreaker Small Diameter Bomb Increment II (SDB II, GBU-53/B).

Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.

The GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) is an air-launched, precision-strike standoff weapon designed to engage both moving and fixed targets. It employs a GPS/INS system to guide it to the vicinity of a moving target and can receive updated target coordinates mid-flight via two-way datalink communications, including Link-16 or UHF. This capability allows airborne or ground controllers to send in-flight target updates and to abort the mission after release if necessary.

The weapon is manufactured by Raytheon Co. and is primarily intended for all-weather, through-the-weather attacks on moving and stationary targets. It is compatible with several aircraft platforms, including the F-15E (US Air Force), F/A-18E/F, and F-35B/C (Department of the Navy). The GBU-53/B features guidance systems that include imaging infrared, millimeter wave radar, and digital semi-active laser. It is classified as a 250-pound class munition, with a weight of 208 pounds, a length of 70 inches, and a diameter of 7 inches.