A USAF F-15E released four Small Diameter Bombs from two separate carriages on Aug. 25 during a test at Eglin, AFB, Fla., where full capability testing of the SDB system is under way. According to a Boeing statement the test was conducted at 15,000 feet and 20 miles from four targets—intending to further demonstrate the optimal trajectory to the target, heading and velocity of the weapons.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.