StormBreaker (formerly SDB II) is a joint USAF-Navy program to develop a low-yield, precision guided munition capable of striking moving targets in all weather from up to 46 miles away. Its size allows it to be carried in fighter or bomber internal weapons bays or to increase overall loadout to enable more independent strikes per sortie. Several StormBreakers can be simultaneously released against multiple targets.
SDB II adds a millimeter-wave radar, imaging IR, and semi-active laser packaged into a tri-mode seeker. The bomb is retargetable after release. Improvements over SDB I include reduced susceptibility to countermeasures and network-enablement through Link 16/UHF data links.
LRIP began in 2015, and USAF awarded the current production Lot 7 on April 30, 2021. Development includes integrating anti-jam GPS receiver, crypto and cyber security improvements, as well as guidance and lethality enhancements.
SDB II began operational testing in June 2018 and achieved initial fielding on the F-15E on Sept. 23, 2020, followed by IOC in September 2022. Navy testing is underway with the F-35B/C, and the service declared early operational capability on the F-18E/F in October 2023 with the original IOC target extended two years to 2026. FY26 requested funding for up to 806 SDB IIs.
GBU-53 StormBreaker (Small Diameter Bomb II) Technical Data
Contractor: Raytheon.
First Flight: 2012.
IOC: September 2022.
Production: 21,610 (planned).
Active Variant: •GBU-53/B SDB II. Tri-mode guided 250-lb low-yield bomb.
Dimensions: Length 5.75 ft, wingspan 5.6 ft, diameter 7 in.
Performance: Near-precision capability at standoff range up to 46 miles.
Guidance: Tri-mode seeker millimeter-wave radar, uncooled IIR, and digital semi-active laser.
Warhead: 250-lb class penetrating blast fragmentation munition.
Integration: F-15E. Planned: A-10, AC-130J, B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16, F-22, F-35, MQ-9.