Boeing Secures $6.9 Billion Contract to Manufacture Small Diameter Bombs for US and Allies

Boeing has recently been awarded a significant contract by the U.S. Air Force to produce Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) valued at a maximum of $6.9 billion. This indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract includes the production and delivery of SDBs from Lots 20 to 29, with a guaranteed minimum award for Lot 20. The contract marks a crucial step in enhancing the U.S. military's precision strike capabilities while also supporting allied nations, including Japan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.

To finance this extensive production, specific funds have already been allocated across various fiscal years: $147,207 from Fiscal Year 2022, $2.4 million from Fiscal Year 2023, and $34.3 million from Fiscal Year 2024. Additionally, foreign military sales have been earmarked with $396.4 million to support the contract. Work related to this project will be conducted at Boeing's facility in St. Louis, Missouri, with an anticipated completion date set for the end of December 2035.

The SDB, also referred to as the GBU-39/B, is designed as a low-cost, precision-guided munition capable of delivering high accuracy while minimizing collateral damage. Since its introduction into combat operations in 2006 aboard the F-15E, the SDB has proven to be an essential tool in modern warfare. The bomb is equipped with an inertial navigation system and a global positioning system, ensuring pinpoint accuracy in striking targets.

In terms of specifications, each SDB measures 70.8 inches (180 centimeters) in length and 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) in width. Notably, a carriage designed to hold four SDBs can replace a single 1,000- or 2,000-pound (453- or 907-kilogram) weapon, enabling aircraft to engage four times as many targets in a single sortie. Each bomb weighs around 250 pounds (113 kilograms) and boasts the impressive capability to penetrate over three feet of steel-reinforced concrete.

One of the remarkable features of the GBU-39/B is its extendable deployable wings, which allow it to glide over distances exceeding 60 nautical miles (69 miles/111 kilometers) once air-dropped. This capability not only enhances its operational range but also contributes to its effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios. 

Furthermore, the SDB has several variants tailored for specific missions. The Focused Lethality Munition (GBU-39A/B) is designed to minimize collateral damage outside the blast zone, making it ideal for urban or densely populated areas. On the other hand, the Laser SDB (GBU-39B/B) is equipped with semi-active laser guidance, providing the flexibility needed to target moving objects accurately.

In summary, Boeing's contract to produce Small Diameter Bombs represents a significant advancement in precision munitions for both the U.S. military and its allies. With its innovative design and capabilities, the SDB continues to play a vital role in modern aerial warfare, enabling effective engagement with minimal risk to surrounding infrastructure and civilians.