Poland Inks $120 Million Deal with the U.S. for GBU-39/B “Small Diameter Bombs”; Deliveries to Begin in 2028

Poland has signed a government-to-government Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States for the procurement of Boeing’s precision-guided GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB). The contract, valued at around USD 120 million net, sets delivery to begin in 2028, according to Poland’s Armament Agency.

Although the exact number of bombs covered in the agreement has not been revealed, they are intended to equip Poland’s multirole F-35A fighters as well as modernised F-16V aircraft, strengthening the nation’s strike capabilities.

Background: Earlier U.S. Approval for Larger Package

In May 2025, the U.S. Department of State had approved a potential sale to Poland of:

• 1,400 GBU-39/B bombs,

• 4 inert GBU-39/T-1 training bombs, and

• mass-dimensional mock-ups, along with spare parts, containers, logistics support, technical data, software, training, and related services.

That broader package was valued at up to USD 180 million. The finalized USD 120 million contract signed now appears to represent a negotiated portion of that larger deal, possibly covering an initial tranche or priority deliveries.

The GBU-39/B Advantage

The GBU-39/B SDB provides several advantages over traditional air-to-ground munitions:

• Compact size: Weighing just 250 pounds, the bomb allows aircraft to carry more weapons per sortie. Using the BRU-61/A rack, up to four bombs can be mounted on a single hardpoint.

• Reduced collateral damage: Its smaller warhead is designed to minimize unintended destruction near target zones.

• Precision strike capability: Guided by GPS/INS, it can hit stationary targets at ranges of around 100 km from the release point.

• Operational flexibility: Compatible with both the F-35 and upgraded F-16V, it significantly increases the combat efficiency of Poland’s air fleet.

Boeing is currently producing the 20th series of the GBU-39/B, with manufacturing options available until 2035, ensuring long-term availability and integration with allied forces.

Strategic Significance

This acquisition represents another major step in Poland’s defense modernization program, aimed at strengthening deterrence and interoperability within NATO. The deployment of these advanced glide bombs will give Poland greater precision strike capability, allowing its air force to conduct operations with higher efficiency and lower risk of collateral damage.

By combining the stealth and sensor advantages of the F-35A with the precision of the GBU-39/B, Poland positions itself to play a stronger role in NATO’s collective defense posture in Central and Eastern Europe.