US orders GBU-39/B bombs for Ukraine and allies in $6.9 billion deal

These precision-guided munitions, proven resistant to Russian electronic warfare, will bolster Ukraine’s strike capabilities as its forces adapt Soviet-era aircraft to deploy the bombs against Russian targets.

Oct 1, 2024 - 19:00

US orders GBU-39/B bombs for Ukraine and allies in $6.9 billion deal

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The US has ordered new GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs for its Air Force and foreign customers.

Among the countries set to receive these precision-guided munitions is Ukraine. The American GBU-39 bomb weighs 130 kilograms, has a diameter of about 190 mm, and a length of about 1.8 meters. Its maximum range is up to 110 km when dropped from a high altitude, writes Militarnyi.

The bomb’s design includes wings that unfold in flight, significantly increasing its target engagement range. The strike’s accuracy is achieved through an onboard control system with inertial guidance and GPS.

The bombs have proven resistant to Russian electronic warfare systems. Their small size makes it difficult for Russian air defense systems to detect and intercept them.

On 30 September, the US Department of Defense announced a long-term contract with Boeing on the GBU-39/B production.

The $6.9 billion document involves manufacturing and supplying an unspecified number of GBU-39/B, with deliveries expected by 31 December 2035. The bombs will be sent to Japan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine under the Foreign Military Sales program.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Air Force had adapted Soviet-era combat aircraft to use American GBU-39 bombs for strikes against Russian targets.

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