Poland to acquire U.S. GBU-39B bombs for F-35 and F-16 fighter jets to strike fortified targets
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According to information published by the Polish Ministry of National Defence on September 4, 2025, during the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition held in Kielce, Poland, an agreement was signed between the United States and Poland for the acquisition of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB I) to equip the Polish Air Force’s F-35A fighters. The contract, valued at approximately $120 million net, outlines deliveries to be completed by 2028, marking a significant step in Poland’s effort to enhance the strike capabilities of its incoming fifth-generation aircraft.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon launching a GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb during live fire training, demonstrating the precision strike capability that will soon be integrated into the Polish Air Force. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The GBU-39/B is a precision-guided, 113 kg (250 lb) class munition designed for internal carriage in stealth aircraft such as the F-35, allowing operators to engage high-value targets with minimal collateral damage. With a range of more than 110 km (60 nautical miles) when launched from altitude, the weapon provides extended stand-off capabilities while preserving the low observability profile of the aircraft. The bomb’s small size allows four GBU-39/B to be carried in place of a single 907 kg (2,000 lb) bomb, offering aircrews increased strike flexibility and target engagement options per sortie.
While tailored for the F-35, the GBU-39/B can also be integrated on legacy fighters, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which remains a cornerstone of the Polish Air Force. This dual compatibility ensures that Poland’s existing fleet of F-16C/D Block 52+ jets, already combat proven in NATO operations, can also employ the weapon. This provides Warsaw with an immediate operational benefit, as the bombs can be fielded on its current platforms before the F-35 fleet achieves full operational capability.
The bomb’s advanced guidance system combines GPS/INS navigation to achieve a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters, making it a highly precise tool against both stationary and relocatable targets. Its penetrator warhead is optimized to defeat hardened bunkers and reinforced concrete structures, while still minimizing collateral damage compared to larger conventional bombs. For Poland, this means an enhanced ability to neutralize strategic targets such as command posts, air defense radars, and ammunition depots, while maintaining compliance with NATO standards for precision engagement.
This acquisition is part of Warsaw’s broader strategy to accelerate the operational readiness of its F-35 program, which will begin entering service in the second half of the decade. Polish defense officials emphasized during the signing ceremony that the GBU-39/B procurement ensures interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, as most NATO F-35 operators are standardizing their arsenals with this munition. Analysts highlight that the contract also signals Poland’s determination to rapidly integrate cutting-edge strike capabilities amid growing regional security tensions.
The agreement underscores deepening U.S.-Polish defense ties, as Poland remains one of the leading European NATO members in terms of defense spending relative to GDP. With this deal, Warsaw not only boosts its precision-strike inventory but also cements its place among front-line NATO states prepared to project airpower in support of collective defense. Deliveries scheduled through 2028 will coincide with the induction of Poland’s first operational F-35 squadrons, ensuring the jets enter service already matched with their primary precision strike weapon.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
According to information published by the Polish Ministry of National Defence on September 4, 2025, during the MSPO 2025 defense exhibition held in Kielce, Poland, an agreement was signed between the United States and Poland for the acquisition of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB I) to equip the Polish Air Force’s F-35A fighters. The contract, valued at approximately $120 million net, outlines deliveries to be completed by 2028, marking a significant step in Poland’s effort to enhance the strike capabilities of its incoming fifth-generation aircraft.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon launching a GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb during live fire training, demonstrating the precision strike capability that will soon be integrated into the Polish Air Force. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The GBU-39/B is a precision-guided, 113 kg (250 lb) class munition designed for internal carriage in stealth aircraft such as the F-35, allowing operators to engage high-value targets with minimal collateral damage. With a range of more than 110 km (60 nautical miles) when launched from altitude, the weapon provides extended stand-off capabilities while preserving the low observability profile of the aircraft. The bomb’s small size allows four GBU-39/B to be carried in place of a single 907 kg (2,000 lb) bomb, offering aircrews increased strike flexibility and target engagement options per sortie.
While tailored for the F-35, the GBU-39/B can also be integrated on legacy fighters, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which remains a cornerstone of the Polish Air Force. This dual compatibility ensures that Poland’s existing fleet of F-16C/D Block 52+ jets, already combat proven in NATO operations, can also employ the weapon. This provides Warsaw with an immediate operational benefit, as the bombs can be fielded on its current platforms before the F-35 fleet achieves full operational capability.
The bomb’s advanced guidance system combines GPS/INS navigation to achieve a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters, making it a highly precise tool against both stationary and relocatable targets. Its penetrator warhead is optimized to defeat hardened bunkers and reinforced concrete structures, while still minimizing collateral damage compared to larger conventional bombs. For Poland, this means an enhanced ability to neutralize strategic targets such as command posts, air defense radars, and ammunition depots, while maintaining compliance with NATO standards for precision engagement.
This acquisition is part of Warsaw’s broader strategy to accelerate the operational readiness of its F-35 program, which will begin entering service in the second half of the decade. Polish defense officials emphasized during the signing ceremony that the GBU-39/B procurement ensures interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, as most NATO F-35 operators are standardizing their arsenals with this munition. Analysts highlight that the contract also signals Poland’s determination to rapidly integrate cutting-edge strike capabilities amid growing regional security tensions.
The agreement underscores deepening U.S.-Polish defense ties, as Poland remains one of the leading European NATO members in terms of defense spending relative to GDP. With this deal, Warsaw not only boosts its precision-strike inventory but also cements its place among front-line NATO states prepared to project airpower in support of collective defense. Deliveries scheduled through 2028 will coincide with the induction of Poland’s first operational F-35 squadrons, ensuring the jets enter service already matched with their primary precision strike weapon.
