For US$113 million, the U.S. authorized the sale of more than 800 GBU-39B glide bombs for Norway’s F-35A fighter jets

Por

25 September, 2025

The United States government has authorized the sale of a significant batch of GBU-39B (SDB I) glide bombs intended to equip the Norwegian Air Force’s F-35A stealth fighters. This was reported last week, following the notification sent by the Department of State to the U.S. Congress for the approval of the operation, which is included in the FMS Program and valued at US$113 million.

To date, Norway has become the first partner of the F-35 Lightning II program to complete its fleet of fifth-generation aircraft. In total, the Nordic country’s air force operates a fleet of 52 fighters in the “A” variant, replacing the F-16 Fighting Falcons, which, after being retired from service, were partly sold to Romania and transferred to Ukraine.

In recent months, the country has been making efforts to provide its Lightning II fleet with a broad range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponry. To cite some cases, notable examples include negotiations with the United States for the purchase of 300 new AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles for the air-to-air segment, while in the air-to-ground segment, the operation for 600 Small Diameter Bomb II (GBU-53/B) glide bombs—also known as StormBreaker—stands out.

It should also be noted that integration is underway for the employment of the new JSM air-to-surface missiles, manufactured by local company Kongsberg, with deliveries having begun last April.

According to information released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on September 15, the Norwegian government requested the purchase of a total of 816 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs Increment I glide bombs. The deal amounts to US$113 million, with Boeing as the main contractor.

Based on official information from the U.S. Air Force, the GBU-39/B “…is a 250-pound class weapon, all-weather, day or night, and has an extended range. The SDB uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) for navigation to the target. Furthermore, its small size allows for increased aircraft load-out for multiple kills per sortie, while inherently reducing the probability of collateral damage.”

It further adds that “…it employs a smart carriage capable of carrying four 250 lb. class guided weapons. It is capable of destroying high-priority fixed and stationary targets from Air Force fighters and bombers, whether in internal bays or external hardpoints. The SDB increases aircraft weapons loadout, decreases the logistics footprint, reduces collateral damage, and improves sortie generation times.”