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BULGARIAN MILITARY
The US is set to sell 196 RTX GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb [SDB] IIs to Belgium. These bombs will be part of the arsenal for Belgium’s F-35 fleet. Brussels has secured a contract for 34 Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs, with the first jets arriving this year.
Valued at up to $115 million, the deal aims to bolster Belgium’s combat readiness and provide a strong deterrent against regional threats. According to the DSCA, “The proposed sale will improve Belgium’s ability to meet current and future threats by maintaining its F-35 fleet in combat readiness and providing a reliable deterrent to regional threats.” Each F-35A can carry up to eight SDB I/IIs in its twin internal weapons bays.
Integrating these bombs into the F-35’s internal compartments is crucial for maintaining the aircraft’s stealth capabilities. External weapons can create radar-reflective surfaces, making the aircraft more visible to enemy radar systems. By housing munitions internally, the F-35 maintains a lower radar cross-section, thereby improving its stealth and effectiveness in hostile environments.
Internal weapon storage also contributes to the aerodynamic efficiency of the F-35. External weapons can create drag, which can reduce the aircraft’s speed, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency. By keeping the bombs inside, the F-35 can achieve better performance metrics, including longer range and higher speeds which are critical in both combat and reconnaissance missions.
The internal compartments allow for a more streamlined and integrated design, which can improve the overall structural integrity of the aircraft. This design minimizes the potential for damage from external factors, such as debris or adverse weather conditions, thereby increasing the durability and longevity of the aircraft.
The GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb [SDB] is an advanced precision-guided munition developed by Raytheon. It is part of the broader Small Diameter Bomb family, designed to provide enhanced strike capabilities with minimal collateral damage. The GBU-53/B is specifically known for its versatility and precision in engaging both stationary and moving targets.
The dimensions of the GBU-53/B are compact, with a length of approximately 69 inches [1.75 meters] and a diameter of about 7.5 inches [19 centimeters]. This compact size allows aircraft to carry multiple bombs, increasing their strike capacity without sacrificing performance.
Technically, the GBU-53/B features a tri-mode seeker system, which includes millimeter-wave radar, infrared imaging, and semi-active laser guidance. This combination allows the bomb to accurately engage targets in various environments and conditions, from all-weather scenarios to complex urban landscapes.
The bomb is equipped with a sophisticated guidance system that integrates GPS/INS [Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System] for mid-course guidance. This ensures the bomb remains on a precise trajectory toward its target, even in GPS-denied environments.
The warhead of the GBU-53/B is a multi-effects warhead, designed to maximize effectiveness against a wide range of target types. It can penetrate hardened structures, destroy soft targets, and create fragmentation effects, making it highly adaptable to different mission requirements.
The GBU-53/B is compatible with a variety of aircraft platforms, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, and unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]. This interoperability enhances the operational flexibility of the bomb, allowing it to be deployed across multiple branches of the military.
The bomb’s advanced targeting capabilities are further enhanced by its ability to receive in-flight target updates. This feature allows operators to adjust the bomb’s trajectory in real time, ensuring maximum accuracy and effectiveness against dynamic targets.
The U.S. Air Force began acquiring the GBU-53/B in 2010, with full operational capability achieved in 2017. The U.S. has acquired thousands of these bombs to enhance its precision strike capabilities.
Australia is another operator of the GBU-53/B. The Royal Australian Air Force [RAAF] integrated the bomb into its arsenal as part of its F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. Australia received its first batch of GBU-53/B bombs in 2018, with ongoing acquisitions to meet operational requirements.
Saudi Arabia has also procured the GBU-53/B as part of its broader efforts to modernize its military capabilities. The acquisition was part of a larger arms deal with the United States, and deliveries began in the early 2020s. The exact quantities are not publicly disclosed but are believed to be substantial.
Japan has included the GBU-53/B in its defense procurement plans, particularly for its fleet of F-35 aircraft. The Japanese Ministry of Defense confirmed the acquisition in 2019, with deliveries starting shortly thereafter. Japan’s acquisition aims to bolster its precision strike capabilities amid regional security concerns.