The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Belgium of Raytheon’s GBU-53/B StormBreaker glide bombs and related logistics and programme support for an estimated cost of USD 115 million.
Belgium submitted a request to purchase up to 196 Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-53/B Small Diameter Bombs-Increment II (SDB-II) All-Up-Rounds (AURs) to equip its fleet of F-35A fighter aircraft. The request also includes SDB-II Weapons Load Crew Trainers (WLCT), training and support, and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated that the proposed sale will improve Belgium’s capability to meet current and future threats by maintaining its F-35 fleet in combat-ready status and providing a credible deterrent to regional threats and that Belgium will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The GBU-53/B, is a guided, gliding precision munition that weighs about 250 pounds and has a range of over 40 miles. It can be launched from high altitudes and high speeds, and it can fly autonomously to its target using GPS and inertial navigation system (INS) guidance.
The bomb also has a tri-mode seeker that works in three modes to provide maximum operational flexibility. Millimetre wave radar detects and tracks targets through weather, such as clouds, rain, fog or dust. Imaging infrared provides enhanced target discrimination and recognition by capturing thermal signatures of targets and background. Semi-active laser allows the bomb to lock onto a laser spot designated by an aircraft or ground forces.
