Norway approved for further Small Diameter Bombs for F-35

The F-35 demonstrating its ability to carry four SDB II bombs (plus an AIM-120 AMRAAM) in each of its two internal weapons bays. (Raytheon)

A Norwegian request for the additional purchase of Raytheon GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) IIs (now known more commonly as StormBreaker) for its fleet of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters has been approved by the US State Department.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced the approval on 28 June, saying that a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of up to 580 SDBs could be provided to equip the 52 F-35As on order with the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RoNAF). This number adds to the 20 SDBs already approved for a total potential sale of 600 bombs for an estimated USD293 million.

“The proposed sale will improve Norway's capability to meet current and future threats by bolstering operational readiness while enhancing air and defence capabilities with a modernised weapon to support the new F-35A fleet,” the DSCA said.

The F-35A can carry up to eight SDB I/II bombs in its twin internal weapons bays.