GBU-39 SDB

Development of the Small Diameter Bomb began in 2001 to provide a precision-guided munition that allowed aircraft to carry an increased number of weapons per sortie using the BRU-61/A rack. The system was certified for operational testing in 2005 and entered service in 2006. A ground-launched configuration was subsequently developed to enable deployment from various surface platforms.

The baseline munition utilizes a GPS-aided inertial navigation system for engagement of stationary targets such as fuel depots and bunkers. It features high precision maintained through differential GPS offsets transmitted via Link 16. The weapon is equipped with DiamondBack wings that deploy after release to facilitate glide flight. The standard warhead contains AFX-757 insensitive enhanced blast polymer-bonded explosive. This warhead is capable of penetrating earth-covered steel-reinforced concrete. Fuzing functions include cockpit-selectable air burst and delayed settings.

Variants include a version with a tri-mode seeker — comprising infrared, millimeter-wave radar, and semi-active laser — for mobile target acquisition. Alternative warhead configurations include the Focused Lethality Munition, which uses a composite casing and dense inert metal explosive to minimize collateral damage in urban environments.

The system is widely deployed by the United States and has been exported to numerous countries, including Australia, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Sweden. Initial combat use occurred in 2006. The weapon was deployed during operations in the Gaza Strip in 2008 against underground infrastructure. In 2024, it was utilized in strikes in Rafah and against targets near Khan Younis. The Ukrainian Air Force began employing air-dropped versions from modified fighters in 2023, reporting resilience against electronic jamming and a high accuracy rate. Primary launch platforms include the F-15E, F-16, F-22, JAS-39 Gripen, and Panavia Tornado.