Norway to arm F-35 fighters with GBU-53/B SDB II bombs - US State Department approves $293m sale of 600 StormBreakers

The Norwegian Armed Forces want to equip fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters with GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II aircraft munitions. The potential deal has been approved by the US State Department.

Here's What We Know

The US had previously approved the Scandinavian country's request to buy 20 bombs. The new announcement says the order has been increased to 600 units. The potential deal is worth $293m. The US Congress will consider it within 30 days.

Norway will receive simulators, spare parts and related equipment in addition to the aircraft bombs. The F-35 Lightning II fighter will carry the GBU-53/B SDB II in a weapons bay that holds up to eight 204ft (92.5kg) bombs.

The Norwegian Air Force will have 52 fifth-generation fighters in service by 2025. The Scandinavian country has ordered the planes in the F-35A modification. Some of the fighters will go to the High North to support NATO's rapid response mission.

As for the GBU-53/B SDB II, it is a guided bomb developed by RTX (formerly Raytheon). The warhead is also known as StormBreaker. The aerial bomb has a homing system with inertial instruments and satellite navigation.

The warhead weighs 105 pounds (48 kg). The StormBreaker can destroy stationary and moving targets. The maximum launch range is 110km and 72km respectively. Production of the bombs began in 2014.

Source: DSCA