GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II

Also known as

GBU-53
GBU-53/B
SDB II
Small Diameter Bomb II
StormBreaker

The GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II is a U.S. air-launched precision-guided bomb built by Raytheon for all-weather attacks on moving or stationary targets. Air Force and Navy sources describe it as a 250-pound-class weapon with GPS/INS plus imaging infrared, millimeter-wave radar, and semi-active laser guidance, and Air Combat Command approved F-15E operational flights in 2020.

GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II, Air-launched precision-guided bomb, Munitions

Image source: Small Diameter Bomb II approved for operational use

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Raytheon
Type: Air-launched precision-guided bomb
Service note: 2020-present
Designer: Raytheon
Unit cost: $186,000 (2015 base-year APUC current estimate)

air-launched air-to-surface guided bomb precision-guided munition precision fires

Specifications

Class: 250-pound class munition
Weight: 208 pounds
Length: 70 inches
Diameter: 7 inches
Guidance: Imaging infrared, millimeter wave radar, and semi-active laser with GPS and inertial navigation system guidance
Primary function: All-weather, through-the-weather attack moving and stationary targets
Range: More than 40 miles
Threshold platforms: F-15E (USAF), F/A-18E/F, and F-35B/C (DoN)

Compatible Aircraft

Air Combat Command approved the bomb for F-15E operational flights in 2020, making the Strike Eagle an approved carrier for the munition.

Compatible item

Item type

Compatibility evidence

F-15E Strike Eagle, Dual-role strike fighter, Aircraft & UAVs

F-15E Strike Eagle

Dual-role strike fighter

Air Combat Command approved F-15E Strike Eagle operational flights with the GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II on Sept. 23, 2020.

Sources: Small Diameter Bomb II approved for operational use

Design Notes

NAVAIR describes SDB II as an all-weather precision-strike standoff weapon for moving and stationary targets.

Feature	Detail
Target set	Moving and stationary targets in adverse weather.
Guidance	GPS/INS plus imaging infrared, millimeter-wave radar, and semi-active laser.
Carrier fit	Threshold platforms listed by NAVAIR are the F-15E, F/A-18E/F, and F-35B/C.
Class	250-pound class munition.

Timeline

GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II Key Events

Sep 23, 2020
F-15E operational flights approved
Air Combat Command approved the GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II for F-15E Strike Eagle operational flights.
Sources: Small Diameter Bomb II approved for operational use

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Approved for F-15E operational flights on September 23, 2020; NAVAIR lists F-15E, F/A-18E/F, and F-35B/C threshold platforms.

Media

GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II Images

GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II, Air-launched precision-guided bomb, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Small Diameter Bomb II approved for operational use

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Sources

Small Diameter Bomb II approved for operational usePublisher: Air Force Life Cycle Management Center | Note: Supports F-15E operational-flight approval, air-launched precision-guided munition context, all-weather guidance and range claims, and the official public-domain image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Small Diameter Bomb Increment II (SDB II)Publisher: NAVAIR | Note: Supports the official GBU-53/B description, contractor, threshold platforms, guidance suite, class, dimensions, and the NAVAIR image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 StormBreaker Smart WeaponPublisher: RTX | Note: Supports Raytheon's official StormBreaker product background and manufacturer context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 SDB II Selected Acquisition ReportPublisher: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) | Note: Supports the program's procurement-cost context, including the current base-year average procurement unit cost estimate. | Accessed: 2026-06-27