GBU-12 Paveway II

Development of the GBU-12 began during the Vietnam War to meet a U.S. Air Force requirement for a lighter, more maneuverable laser-guided bomb capable of striking moving targets on the Ho Chi Minh trail. This design superseded earlier guided bombs like the BOLT-117. The weapon system entered service in 1976. The designation "Paveway II" refers specifically to the guidance kit applied to a conventional bomb body.

The GBU-12 consists of an unpowered bomb body based on the Mk 82 general-purpose bomb, configured with a nose-mounted laser seeker and control fins. The guidance system utilizes a "bang bang" control method, where the fins deflect fully rather than proportionally to adjust the flight path toward the designated laser spot. This over-correction creates a sinusoidal flight trajectory, allowing for simpler electronics and lower production costs. Upgraded variants also incorporate GPS guidance modes. Laser designation enables the weapon to follow a non-ballistic trajectory, reducing the circular error probable compared to unguided munitions.

The GBU-12 is widely deployed and forms a component of the arsenals of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps, alongside multiple international operators including Australia, Canada, Croatia, France, Greece, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Slovakia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey. The munition has been employed in the Persian Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. During the Gulf War, F-111 aircraft utilized these munitions to destroy 920 Iraqi tanks and armored personnel carriers. The weapon is integrated onto a wide variety of aircraft platforms, including the A-10, B-1B, B-52, F-111, F-15E, F-16C/D, F/A-18, and F-35.