The Air Force has certified the Small Diameter Bomb is ready to start operational test and evaluation, after a year of development testing by the Air Armament Center, Eglin AFB, Fla. “Team Eglin,” according to Thomas Robillard, director of AAC’s air-to-ground munitions systems wing, rose to a challenge by the Air Force Chief of Staff, enabling the program “to exceed schedule and performance expectations.” Small bomb OT&E will continue until spring 2006. USAF plans to equip F-15E fighters at RAF Lakenheath, Britain, with the first operational SDBs.
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
