The United States Navy has announced its decision to integrate the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB-1) on its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets. This contract aims to enhance the precision and range of these aircraft, enabling them to carry a more cost-effective and accurate weapon. The SDB-1 bomb, which is already in use with other US military aircraft, will now be installed on the Super Hornet fleet, significantly expanding its arsenal.
The SDB-1 is a small, precision-guided weapon that provides an efficient solution for targeting enemy positions with minimal collateral damage. Due to its compact size, the SDB-1 can be carried in multiples, allowing up to four bombs on a single pylon, with a maximum loadout of 16 bombs on a typical mission. This gives the Super Hornet aircraft greater flexibility and efficiency in their combat missions.
This weapon has already seen extensive use in various US military operations and has been deployed by several types of aircraft, including the F-15E, F-22A, and F-35A. Although initially the SDB-1 was not of particular interest to naval aviation, the US Navy has now recognised its value in enhancing the Super Hornet’s capabilities. The new integration of the SDB-1 will complement the second-generation StormBreaker bombs already in use by the Super Hornets, which are equipped with an advanced guidance system for targeting moving objects.
In addition to its use by the US military, the SDB-1 has been deployed by Ukrainian forces in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian aircraft, both Soviet-era MiG-29s and F-16s, have been spotted using SDB-1 bombs to strike Russian targets. The widespread use of these bombs in Ukraine highlights their effectiveness in combat, prompting further interest from other countries, including Romania, which recently received approval for the purchase of 400 such bombs from the US.
With more than 50,000 SDB-1 bombs produced, these munitions have proven their worth on the battlefield, offering a precise, cost-effective means of engagement.
