SMALL DIAMETER BOMB II

The Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) Program is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the United States Air Force (USAF) with joint interest from the Department of the Navy (DoN). The primary goal of the SDB II program is to procure and field the GBU-53/B StormBreaker, a network-enabled, precision-guided munition designed to attack both moving and stationary targets in all weather conditions. The program aims to enhance the USAF and DoN's ability to conduct precision strike operations with reduced collateral damage and increased weapon effectiveness. This supports the Air Force Global Strike Task Force Concept of Operations.

The SDB II is designed to be compatible with a wide range of aircraft, including the F-15E, F-35B/C, F-22, F-16, F-35A, B-2, A-10, MQ-9, B-1, B-52, AC-130, and F/A-18E/F. The bomb leverages advanced guidance technologies, including Link-16 and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) weapon data links, to enable networked operations and minimize susceptibility to countermeasures. The program supports multiple kills per pass, multiple ordnance carriage, and a reduced munitions footprint, which collectively contribute to operational flexibility and cost efficiency.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the SDB II budget request includes funding for the procurement of All-Up Round (AUR) weapons for the USAF, as well as associated weapon containers, trainers, reliability test vehicles, and support equipment. The FY 2026 funding will support the Lot 12 production contract, which is negotiated as a Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF) contract with Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ. This contract includes both USAF and DoN production quantities, and procurement quantities may be adjusted based on negotiated options and available funding under the Buy-To-Budget authority.

In addition to weapon procurement, the SDB II line item covers non-recurring engineering, integration, testing, qualification, production readiness, technology refresh, and operational readiness activities. These objectives are intended to resolve safety, reliability, or operational deficiencies, decrease weapon system cost, preserve future production capabilities, and meet Congressional, National Agency, and Defense Department mandates. The program also addresses Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) through bridge buys, life-of-type buys, supplier/parts replacement, and re-qualification efforts.

Training and support are integral to the SDB II program, with funding allocated for Practical Explosive Ordnance Disposal System Trainers (PEST), Weapon Load Crew Trainers (WLCT), and Conventional Maintenance Munitions Trainers (CMMT). The program also includes software maintenance, updates to the Operational Flight Program, and logistics support to ensure effective weapon handling and maintenance. Production testing and contractor services are funded to validate reliability and performance. Product support and obsolescence management help sustain the weapon system throughout its lifecycle.

The SDB II procurement history reflects a transition from competitively awarded contracts (Lots 1-5) to sole source FPIF contracts (Lots 6-12), with unit costs increasing after the end of the competitive business deal. The program's production schedule is managed to maintain minimum sustaining rates, though budget reductions in FY26-FY30 may result in procurement quantities below the optimal rate. The program also supports financial audit requirements under Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D, ensuring compliance with federal financial management standards.