Finland will buy the U.S. GBU-53 SDB II glide bomb for its F-35 fighters, the Defence Ministry said. The precision-guided munition can strike moving targets at medium range and perform in adverse weather, and its small size allows multiple rounds per jet. Raytheon (part of RTX) will manufacture the weapons, and the package includes spare parts, training and support. Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said the acquisition strengthens Finland's defences in demanding conditions.
Finland to Acquire U.S. GBU-53 SDB II Glide Bombs for F-35 Fleet
Unveiling of the new F-35 during a rollout ceremony of F-35 fighter jets ordered by Finland at the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics facility in Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. December 16, 2025. REUTERS/Jeremy Lock/File Photo
HELSINKI, June 18 — Finland has agreed to purchase the GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) glide munition from the U.S. to equip its F-35 fighter jets, the Finnish Defence Ministry said on Thursday. The acquisition adds a precision air-to-ground capability to Finland's F-35 fleet and complements its $9.4 billion purchase of 64 F-35 aircraft from Lockheed Martin.
Weapon Capabilities
- The GBU-53 SDB II is a precision-guided glide bomb designed to engage moving targets at medium range and to operate effectively in adverse weather conditions.
- Its compact size and reduced weight allow multiple SDB II munitions to be carried on a single F-35, increasing mission flexibility and payload options.
Procurement and Support
- The munitions will be manufactured by Raytheon, a business unit of U.S. defence contractor RTX.
- The procurement package includes spare parts, technical documentation, transport, training, repair and ongoing support services to sustain the capability in service.
Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said the purchase provides a new capability that strengthens Finland's defences "in demanding conditions."
This purchase expands Finland's strike options and interoperability with NATO partners, while enhancing the operational flexibility of its growing F-35 fleet.
Reporting by Essi Lehto; editing by Terje Solsvik.
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