The US Department of State has approved the possible sale of Boeing’s Small Diameter Bomb I to Australia to support the acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II.
The estimated cost of the potential deal under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program is US$386 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated, and covers up to 2,950 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I and up to 50 Guided Test Vehicles.
“This capability will strengthen combined operations and increase interoperability between the US Air Force and the RAAF,” the agency said.
Boeing is listed as being the principal contractor for production, but the principal contractor for integration is to be determined during contract negotiations.
The Small Diameter Bomb is an extended range, all weather, day or night 250 pound class guided munition that is capable of achieving standoff ranges in excess of 40nm.
