Boeing has been awarded a $6.9bn contract by the US Division of Protection to supply and ship Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), which has implications for Overseas Navy Gross sales to plenty of international locations.
This undefinitised contract motion encompasses Heaps 20-29 of SDB manufacturing and ensures an preliminary award for Lot 20. The contract enhances precision strike capabilities for allies, together with Japan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.
The guided weapon can detect, monitor, and destroy stationary or shifting targets with high-precision and stand-off vary throughout the day and at night time in all-weather situations.
Significance of the contract
The SDBs, designed to enhance strike capabilities whereas minimising collateral injury, are anticipated to be a part of the navy arsenals of the three beneficiary nations.
Bulgaria is a Nato member and associate of the US, with the combination of SDBs into its navy operations will facilitating “improved interoperability” with Nato allies, based on the US State Division. In 2023, fellow Nato member Norway acquired US State Division approval for a $293m sale of as much as 580 GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bombs-Increment II (SDB-II). This proposed sale enhances Norway’s F-35A fleet.
For Ukraine, this contract represents an infusion of munitions that can improve its capabilities amidst its ongoing battle towards Russia.
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The Small Diameter Bomb will be built-in into numerous fourth- and fifth-generation fighter plane, together with the F-16C/D, which Bulgaria and Ukraine presently have or could have of their fleets quickly.
Final week, the US claimed they’ve plans to expand F-16 pilot training for Ukraine in 2025 amidst its battle with Russia. This initiative, authorised by US President Joe Biden, will practice 18 Ukrainian pilots.
The contract shall be executed primarily at Boeing’s St. Louis, Missouri, facility, and completion is anticipated by 31 December, 2035.
As international locations like Japan, Bulgaria, and Ukraine improve their navy capabilities by way of the acquisition of SDBs, the contract highlights the function of the Small-Diameter Bomb in serving to to steadiness regional stability.
