Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen: Finland will procure SDB II glide bombs for Finnish Air Force F-35A fighters

Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen authorised the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command to procure GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) glide bombs from the United States. Glide bombs are used in F-35 multi-role combat aircraft.

The SDB II glide bombs will supplement the air-to-ground weaponry of the Finnish Air Force F-35A fleet. Their diverse features enable striking targets precisely at medium range, including moving targets in challenging weather conditions. The small size of the bomb allows F-35 fighters to carry multiple weapons at the same time.

"This procurement will supplement our previous order as part of the F-35 package. The SDB II glide bombs represent a new kind of capability for Finland, and they will strengthen our defence capability in challenging conditions. They are technologically advanced and will allow using the F-35 effectively as part of Finland's defence system," Minister of Defence Häkkänen said.

The United States Congress approved the sale of the Raytheon-manufactured GBU-53 SDB II glide bombs in connection with the HX Fighter Programme. This procurement will supplement the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract signed in 2023.

The procurement includes glide bombs, manuals and documentation, spare parts and accessories, transport services and the training, repair and support services provided by the manufacturer and supplier in accordance with the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).

Inquiries: Krista Siik, Branch Engineer, Ministry of Defence, tel. +358 295 140 015, Colonel (ret.) Henrik Elo, F-35 Programme Director, Air Force Command Finland, tel. +358 299 800 (Finnish Defence Forces' switchboard).