Mk 83
The US-developed Mk 83, introduced in 1954, is a 1,000-pound general-purpose bomb distinguished by its use in both guided and unguided configurations. Key figures: weight 450 kg, warhead 202 kg. In service with 2 countries — Pakistan, United States.
| Warhead | Tritonal High Explosive |
| Warhead weight | 202 kg (445 lb) |
| Diameter | 356 mm (14.0 in) |
| Length | 2,987 mm (117.6 in) |
| Weight | 450 kg (992 lb) |
Description
The Mk 83 is a low-drag general-purpose bomb belonging to the Mark 80 series. It consists of a streamlined steel casing designed for reduced aerodynamic drag during carriage. Standard variants contain tritonal high explosive, while versions utilizing PBXN-109 thermally insensitive explosive are designated BLU-110.
The munition serves as the warhead for multiple precision-guided weapon systems, including the GBU-16 Paveway laser-guided bomb and the GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). It is also employed in the production of Quickstrike sea mines. Safety evaluations conducted by the United States Navy established a cook-off time of approximately eight minutes and forty seconds for the casing and explosive fill.
The United States Navy is the primary operator of the Mk 83. The United States Air Force also employs the bomb, configured as a JDAM for the F-22A. Pakistan utilizes the Mk 83 as the warhead for various smart bombs. During Operation Swift Retort in 2019, JF-17 aircraft of the No. 16 Squadron deployed the munition equipped with Range Extension Kits (REK) against targets in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- APR 32026 Updated Mk 83: length added; Mk 83: diameter added
- MAR 302026 Created Page created: Mk 83