The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Poland of up to 1,400 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) along with associated equipment and support, at an estimated cost of $180 million, according to a release from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 21 May 2025.
The package also includes four inert training bombs, tactical training rounds, bomb components, containers, support and test equipment, spare parts, classified and unclassified software, training, and logistics services.
The proposed sale is intended to improve Poland’s ability to conduct precision air-to-ground strikes and enhance its NATO interoperability.
The GBU-39/B is a precision-guided munition that offers high accuracy and low collateral damage, designed to be carried in large numbers by modern aircraft. Poland will integrate the weapons into its air force platforms to bolster deterrence and defence capabilities in the region.
DSCA said the deal “will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.”
The principal contractor will be Boeing, based in St. Louis, Missouri. No offset agreements are currently known, though such terms would be negotiated between Poland and the contractor. Implementation of the sale does not require a permanent US presence in Poland.
The sale follows a broader trend of expanding defence cooperation between Warsaw and Washington, as Poland continues to modernise its armed forces amid heightened regional security concerns. Final contract values may vary depending on Poland’s confirmed requirements and budget.
Poland leading by example with procurement commitments. That’s a lot of bombs for a relatively small fast jet fleet though. I wonder if we’ll get an announcement on increasing their F35 numbers soon (currently only 32 on order).
Maybe we should go the same road rather than the interminable wait for SPEAR – anyone know what the range comparison is ? Also if we did what’s the risk Trump could simply press his button and turn them all off – economic benefit aside less reliance on US weapons and technology all the better for Team GB IMHO.