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US Expands GBU-53B StormBreaker Guided Bombs Order to Enhance Precision-Strike Capabilities.
The United States Department of Defense has signed an amendment to the production contract for GBU-53/B StormBreaker guided bombs, increasing its order from Raytheon Technologies (RTX). Officially signed on January 31, 2025, this addition is part of the 11th production batch, further integrating the munition into the U.S. military’s arsenal. The new order, valued at $84.2 million, is fully funded at the time of signing, with most of the financing coming from the U.S. Air Force budget. Deliveries are scheduled to continue until July 2028.
The GBU-53/B StormBreaker, also designated as SDB-II (Small Diameter Bomb II), is designed for all-weather precision strikes against both stationary and moving targets. (Picture source: Raytheon)
This contract follows a previous order signed in December 2024, worth $282.4 million, covering an estimated 1,000 units for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. With this latest amendment, an additional 360 bombs are expected to be delivered, reflecting the increasing reliance on this precision-guided weapon in modern aerial operations.
The GBU-53/B StormBreaker, also designated as SDB-II (Small Diameter Bomb II), is designed for all-weather precision strikes against both stationary and moving targets. Weighing 93 kg and measuring 1.78 m in length, it features a multi-mode guidance system combining millimeter-wave radar, uncooled infrared imaging, and a digital semi-active laser. Its GPS/INS navigation system enables real-time in-flight target updates via Link-16 or UHF communications, enhancing operational flexibility and adaptability to evolving mission requirements. With a range of 111 km for stationary targets and 74 km for moving targets, it reduces aircraft exposure to enemy defenses while increasing mission effectiveness.
On November 6, 2023, Raytheon announced that the U.S. Navy had officially integrated the StormBreaker onto the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, making it the first Navy aircraft certified to deploy the weapon. Leveraging experience gained from its deployment on the F-15E Strike Eagle, Raytheon reduced the number of required flight tests, expediting the munition’s operational fielding. According to Paul Ferraro, president of Air Power at Raytheon, the Stormbreaker provides enhanced strike capability against complex and moving targets, improving the effectiveness of fourth-generation fighter aircraft in dynamic combat environments.
The U.S. Air Force declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the StormBreaker on the F-15E in 2022, and integration efforts are ongoing for all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The weapon is also being deployed across various platforms, including the F-15EX Eagle II, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, F-22A Raptor, and F-35, further solidifying its role in U.S. air-to-ground operations. RTX has already delivered several thousand units to the Pentagon, with an initial export batch supplied to Australia, demonstrating international interest in the system.
With this contract extension, the United States continues to reinforce its precision-strike capabilities to address evolving strategic challenges. The GBU-53/B StormBreaker, with its advanced targeting technology, multi-platform integration, and adaptability, remains a critical asset for modern air operations requiring effective and responsive engagement capabilities.