Profile
- Type
- Guided glide bomb
- Conflict side
- Israel
- Origin
- United States
- Service note
- 2006-present
Aircraft & UAVs
GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I
The GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I is a U.S.-built 250-pound GPS/INS-guided glide bomb designed for standoff precision strikes and reduced collateral damage. During the Israel-Hamas War, Israeli forces were reported using the bomb in Gaza airstrikes, including the May 2024 Rafah strike.
- Conflict side
- Israel
- Built by
- Boeing
- Built in
- United States
Service History
- In service
- Initial operational capability in 2006; later reported in Israeli Gaza strikes during the Israel-Hamas War.
- Used by
- Israeli Air Force, United States Air Force
- Wars
- Israel-Hamas War
Production History
- Designer
- Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
- Designed
- 2001-2003
- Built by
- Boeing
- Built in
- United States
- Unit cost
- About $40,000
- Produced
- 2005-present
- Number built
- Not publicly stated
- Variants
- SDB I
Specifications
- Weight
- 268 lb (122 kg)
- Length
- 70.8 in (1.8 m)
- Range
- More than 40 nautical miles (46 miles)
- Guidance
- GPS/INS
- Warhead
- 250-pound class penetrating blast-fragmentation
Conflict Usage
- Israel-Hamas War
- Side: IsraelRole: Precision airstrike munition
In the Israel-Hamas War, Israeli forces used the GBU-39/B in the May 26, 2024 Rafah airstrike; AP reported the bombs were likely GBU-39 small-diameter bombs.
GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I Images
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AH-64D Saraph attack helicopterAttack helicopterThe AH-64D Saraph is the Israeli Air Force name for the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter, a twin-seat gunship used for close air support and strike missions. In the Israel-Hamas War, Israeli Apache helicopters were documented firing missiles over Gaza.
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GBU-32 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition1,000-pound GPS/INS-guided bomb kitThe GBU-32 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition is Boeing's GPS/INS guidance kit for the Mk 83 or BLU-110 bomb body. In the Israel-Hamas War, OHCHR reported suspected Israeli use of GBU-32 bombs in Gaza strikes during the October to December 2023 period it reviewed.
GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack MunitionLaser-guided precision bombThe GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition is Boeing's 500-pound JDAM variant with a DSU-38 laser seeker, giving GPS/INS bombs terminal laser guidance against moving or relocatable targets. During the Israel-Hamas War, Israeli Air Force F-16 loadouts were reported carrying the weapon in Gaza strike sorties.Sources
Small Diameter Bomb Product CardPublisher: Boeing | Note: Supports Boeing's official product background and technical specifications for the GBU-39/B. | Accessed: 2026-06-20GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb Weapon SystemPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports GBU-39/B background, performance, and public-domain image provenance for the gallery images. | Accessed: 2026-06-20AP Rafah GBU-39 reportPublisher: Associated Press | Note: Supports Israel-Hamas War direct conflict-use; AP reported Israeli forces used GBU-39 small-diameter bombs in the May 26, 2024 Rafah strike. | Accessed: 2026-06-20