On July 25, 2024, the US State Department approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Belgium for the purchase of up to 196 GBU-53/B SDB-II All-Up-Rounds (AURs) Small Diameter Bomb-Increment II (SDB-II) and related logistics and program support, with an estimated cost of $115 million. Belgium’s acquisition of the SDB-II aligns with the introduction of their new F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, which are capable of carrying this bomb.
The GBU-53/B SDB-II, also known as StormBreaker, is an air-launched precision-guided glide bomb developed by Raytheon. It is designed for use in adverse weather conditions and can engage both moving and stationary targets. The bomb is equipped with a GPS/INS guidance system that allows it to receive updated target coordinates mid-flight via Link-16 or UHF communications. This capability enables airborne or ground controllers to provide in-flight target updates and abort missions if necessary. The SDB-II can be guided using imaging infrared, millimeter-wave radar, and digital semi-active laser, making it a versatile weapon in various combat scenarios.
The SDB-II weighs 93 kilograms and measures 1.78 meters in length and 18 centimeters in diameter. Its operational range is approximately 111 kilometers for stationary targets and 74 kilometers for moving targets. The bomb’s warhead, weighing 48 kilograms, combines blast and fragmentation effects, making it effective against a range of targets, including infantry, armor, buildings, and patrol boats. The weapon’s innovative use of uncooled imaging infrared technology reduces costs and enhances its effectiveness.