Belgium has secured approval from the United States to purchase a deadly new weapon system, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) unveiled last Thursday, July 25.
F-35s Gain Lethal Punch: Belgium Acquires SDB-II Missiles
The Pentagon has greenlit the potential sale of 196 Small Diameter Bomb-Increment II (SDB-II) missiles, a highly advanced air-to-ground weapon, to the European nation.
Designed to arm Belgium’s recently acquired fleet of 34 F-35 fighter jets, the SDB-II, also known as the StormBreaker, represents a quantum leap in precision strike technology.
Equipped with a tri-mode seeker — millimeter wave, imaging infrared, and semi-active laser — the missile can engage both stationary and moving targets with remarkable accuracy, even in adverse weather conditions.
The weapon’s ability to autonomously prioritize targets using a GPS/Inertial Navigation System and its impressive 45-mile (72-kilometer) range make it a formidable asset for any modern air force.
Recent test launches from the F-35C achieved a perfect 100 percent success rate, striking all 14 targets.
Additional Details on the Potential Sale
The estimated cost of the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) is $115 million, with RTX Corporation serving as the primary contractor.
The deal is expected to include training, maintenance, and logistical support. See the list below.
196 GBU-53/B SDB-II All-Up-Rounds;
SDB-II Weapons Load Crew Trainers;
Training aids and devices;
Spare and repair parts;
Consumables;
Accessories;
Repair and return support;
Software delivery and support (unclassified);
Publications and technical documentation (unclassified);
Major modifications and maintenance support;
Training and training equipment;
Munitions support and support equipment;
Transportation support;
Studies and surveys;
US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services;
Other related elements of logistics and program support
Selling SDB-II missiles to Belgium aligns with its foreign policy interests, DSCA noted. By strengthening Belgium’s military capabilities, the US aims to enhance regional stability and security.
The FMS is expected to improve Belgium’s ability to defend itself without significantly altering the overall military balance in the region.
An F-15E Strike Eagle carrying Small Diameter Bombs II. (DVIDS)
With the addition of the SDB-II to its arsenal, Belgium joins an elite group of nations possessing this cutting-edge weapon system. As geopolitical tensions continue to rise, the Belgian Air Force is poised to become a more potent force in the region.
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