GBU-12 Paveway II

The GBU-12 traces its origins to the Vietnam War, developed to provide a lighter and more maneuverable laser-guided munition capable of striking moving targets. It superseded earlier designs such as the BOLT-117. The system entered service in 1976. The designation Paveway II refers specifically to the add-on guidance kit rather than the entire weapon.

The weapon is an aerial laser-guided bomb constructed by adding a nose-mounted laser seeker and guidance fins to a Mk 82 general-purpose bomb. The guidance system utilizes "bang-bang" control, where fins deflect fully to correct the flight path rather than proportionally, resulting in a sinusoidal trajectory. This design utilizes simplified electronics. Certain production versions include GPS guidance modes. Laser designation allows the bomb to follow a non-ballistic trajectory, resulting in a reduced circular error probable compared to unguided munitions dropped under similar conditions.

The GBU-12 is widely deployed and integrated into a variety of aircraft, including the F-111, B-52, A-10, F-15E, F/A-18, B-1B, F-16C/D, and F-35. During the Gulf War, F-111 aircraft utilized the munition to destroy 920 Iraqi tanks and armored personnel carriers. The system is operated by the United States Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. It has been exported to numerous nations, including Australia, Canada, Croatia, France, Greece, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Slovakia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.