The United States government has authorized the potential sale of a significant batch of GBU-39/B glide bombs to equip the Polish Air Force’s F-16 fighter jets. This was confirmed through a recent notification submitted by the State Department to the U.S. Congress for approval of the operation, which falls under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program and is valued at an estimated $180 million.
As reported in recent months, the Polish government has been actively pursuing the acquisition of various weapons systems to equip its current fleet of combat aircraft, which includes F-16s and MiG-29s. While this acquisition is part of a broader effort to replenish weapon stockpiles, it also aligns with the expansion of Poland’s air force, driven by the incorporation of new KAI FA-50GF and future FA-50PL aircraft, as well as the stealthy F-35A “Husarz” fighters. The purchases include a variety of air-to-air missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and guided munitions.
According to information released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on May 21, the Polish government requested the purchase of one thousand four hundred (1,400) GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I), along with inert training bombs and associated equipment. The operation, for which The Boeing Corporation is the primary contractor, is valued at $180 million.
The U.S. State Department stated: “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.”
The sale will help Poland “meet current and future threats by enhancing its ability to conduct effective air-to-ground operations, improving its capacity to protect Polish sovereign territory, and increasing its ability to meet NATO requirements. Poland will have no difficulty absorbing these items into its armed forces.”
Finally, it is worth noting that the GBU-39 is a small diameter glide bomb that entered service with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in 2006. Depending on the variant, its guidance system may vary, including GPS, inertial, or laser guidance. When launched from the air, it has a range exceeding 100 kilometers and weighs 250 pounds (approximately 110 kilograms).
Photos used for illustrative purposes only.
