Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb
| image = File:Boeing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.jpg
| image_size = 300
| alt =
| caption = The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb
| type = Surface-launched glide bomb
| origin =
| is_explosive = y
| is_missile = y
| service =
| used_by =
| wars =
| designer = Boeing & Saab Group
| design_date = 2015{{ndash}}2019
| manufacturer =
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 2023
| number =
| variants =
| mass = {{cvt|600|lb|kg}}
| length = {{cvt|12|ft|10|in|m|2}}
SDB length is {{cvt|5|ft|11|in|m|2}}
| part_length =
| width =
| height =
| diameter = {{cvt|9+1/2|in|mm}}
SDB packed height is {{cvt|7.75|in|mm}}
SDB packed width is {{cvt|7.5|in|mm}}
| filling = Fragmentation multipurpose warhead
| filling_weight = {{cvt|93|kg}}
Explosive fill: {{cvt|16|kg}} AFX-757 Insensitive munition certified PBX{{cite web | url = https://www.boeing.co.kr/resources/ko_KR/Seoul-International/2015/GLSDB.pdf | title = Boeing Backgrounder | last = | first = | date = | website = Boeing | access-date = 14 May 2023 | archive-date = 30 September 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230930191708/https://www.boeing.co.kr/resources/ko_KR/Seoul-International/2015/GLSDB.pdf | url-status = dead }}{{cite web | last=Pike | first=John | title=Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) | website=globalsecurity.org | date=2023-05-14 | url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/glsdb-specs.htm | access-date=2023-05-14}}{{cite web | last=Shulgin | first=Dmitry | title=GLSDB | website=Modern weapons | date=2015-03-14 | url=http://www.dmitryshulgin.com/tag/glsdb/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514170801/http://www.dmitryshulgin.com/tag/glsdb/ | url-status=usurped | archive-date=14 May 2023 | access-date=2023-05-14}}{{cite web | last=GALLET | first=Matthieu | title=Boeing GBU-39/B SDB | website=AviationsMilitaires.net | date=2020-12-30 | url=https://aviationsmilitaires.net/v3/kb/externalload/show/1149/boeing-gbu-39b-sdb | language=fr | access-date=2023-05-18}}
Penetration: greater than {{cvt|3|ft}} of steel reinforced concrete{{cite web | title=Small Diameter Bomb | website=Boeing Canada | url=https://www.boeing.ca/products-and-services/defense-space-security/small-diameter-bomb.page | access-date=2023-05-18}}
| detonation =
| yield =
| engine = M26 rocket motor
| engine_power =
| pw_ratio =
| payload_capacity =
| vehicle_range = {{cvt|150|km|mi}}
| speed =
| guidance = GPS supported INS
| wingspan = {{cvt|5|ft|3.3|in|m|2}}
{{cvt|7.5|in|mm}} packed{{cite web | title=Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) | website=Army Technology | date=2021-06-10 | url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/small-diameter-bomb-glsdb/ | access-date=2023-04-06}}
| propellant =
| ceiling =
| altitude =
| boost =
| depth =
| accuracy = {{cvt|1|m|ftin|order=flip}} CEP
| launch_platform = {{ubl|M270 MLRS|M142 HIMARS|Or can be launched from its own launch container}}
| transport =
| ref = Janes{{Citation |last=Hughes |first=Robin |url=https://customer.janes.com/Janes/Display/FG_2413915-JMR |title=AUSA 2019: Boeing, Saab conduct long-range GLSDB firing |date=14 October 2019 |website=Janes Missiles & Rockets |publisher=Jane's Group UK Limited. |publication-place=Coulsdon, Surrey |url-access=subscription |access-date=3 February 2023}}{{Citation |author=Janes |url=https://customer.janes.com/Janes/Display/JAA_0662-JAAD |title=M142 227 mm (6-round) High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)
|date=3 February 2023 |website=Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence |publisher=Jane's Group UK Limited. |publication-place=Coulsdon, Surrey |url-access=subscription |access-date=3 February 2023}}
}}
The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is a weapon developed by Boeing and the Saab Group to allow Boeing's GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), originally developed for use by aircraft, to be ground-launched from a variety of launchers and configurations. It combines the SDB with the M26 rocket, enabling it to be launched from ground-based missile systems such as the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 HIMARS.{{cite web |date=10 March 2015 |title=Boeing, Saab Adapt Air Launched Small Bomb for Ground Launch |url=https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-03-10-Boeing-Saab-Adapt-Air-Launched-Small-Bomb-for-Ground-Launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311030524/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-03-10-Boeing-Saab-Adapt-Air-Launched-Small-Bomb-for-Ground-Launch |archive-date=11 March 2023 |access-date=6 April 2023 |website=Boeing}}{{cite web |last=Selinger |first=Marc |date=1 November 2022 |title=Saab expects first contract soon for new GLSDB artillery weapon |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/saab-expects-first-contract-soon-for-new-glsdb-artillery-weapon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924212018/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/saab-expects-first-contract-soon-for-new-glsdb-artillery-weapon |archive-date=24 September 2023 |access-date=6 April 2023 |website=Janes}}
The weapon started initial mass production in 2023 and saw its first combat deployment by Ukraine in 2024 during the Russian invasion of the country. The performance was reportedly disappointing due to Russia's electromagnetic warfare capabilities, along with deficiencies in tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Design
Boeing, in partnership with Saab, developed an "inter-stage adapter" to connect the SDB to an M26 rocket.{{cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=28 November 2022 |title=Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb Would Double Ukraine's Precision Strike Range |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb-would-double-ukraines-precision-strike-range |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816171055/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb-would-double-ukraines-precision-strike-range |archive-date=16 August 2023 |access-date=6 April 2023 |website=The Drive}} Also providing expertise are the Norwegian-Finnish company Nammo (booster rocket){{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=16 June 2015 |title=PARIS: Boeing, Saab test ground-launched small diameter bomb |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/paris-boeing-saab-test-ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb/117304.article |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225044016/https://www.flightglobal.com/paris-boeing-saab-test-ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb/117304.article |archive-date=25 February 2021 |access-date=10 April 2023 |website=FlightGlobal}} and the Norwegian company Nordic Shelter (launchers).{{cite web |date=2021-12-02 |title=Nammo and Nordic Shelter join GLSDB team |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/nammo-and-nordic-shelter-join-glsdb-team/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202172737/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/nammo-and-nordic-shelter-join-glsdb-team/ |archive-date=2021-12-02 |access-date=2023-04-06 |website=Shephard}} The advantage of the M26 is that there is an abundant stockpile of these rockets.{{cite web |last=Korshak |first=Stefan |date=2023-02-04 |title=EXPLAINED: Ukraine to Get New Long-Range GLSDB Missiles – What Happens Next? |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/11815 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204065252/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/11815 |archive-date=2023-02-04 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=KyivPost}} Production of these rockets ceased in 2001, when 506,718 rockets had been produced.{{cite journal |last1=Colonel Joe Russo |first1=CO 14 Marines |title=Long-Range Precision Fires |journal=Marine Corps Gazette |date=May 2018 |page=40 |url=https://mca-marines.org/wp-content/uploads/0518-Long-Range-Precision-Fires.pdf |access-date=8 April 2023}} As of 2004, 439,194 remained in total inventory. By 2007 the Army was paying to destroy them.{{cite web |date=2020-11-24 |title=Cluster Munition Ban Policy - Reports |url=http://www.the-monitor.org/en-gb/reports/2020/united-states/cluster-munition-ban-policy.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029102928/http://www.the-monitor.org/en-gb/reports/2020/united-states/cluster-munition-ban-policy.aspx |archive-date=2023-10-29 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=The Monitor}} The original ordnance carried by the M26 did not meet the terms of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (not signed by the United States). Although the GLSDB can be launched from either MLRS or HIMARS, it also comes with its own launcher, which resembles a nondescript {{convert|20|ft|m|adj=on}} shipping container, making it easier to create decoys and more difficult for the enemy to locate and target.{{cite web |last=Detsch |first=Jack |date=2023-01-12 |title=Pentagon Balks at Sending Ukraine Long-Range Bombs |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/12/russia-ukraine-war-pentagon-balks-long-range-bombs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230113061359/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/12/russia-ukraine-war-pentagon-balks-long-range-bombs/ |archive-date=2023-01-13 |access-date= |website=Foreign Policy}}{{cite web |last1=Hardie |first1=John |last2=Bowman |first2=Bradley |date=19 December 2022 |title=Send the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb to Ukraine |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/12/send-the-ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb-to-ukraine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201211111/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/12/send-the-ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb-to-ukraine/ |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=7 April 2023 |website=Breaking Defense}} After the rocket motor launches it to a high enough altitude and speed, the SDB separates from the rocket and the wings deploy, allowing the bomb to glide to its target. The GLSDB carries a smaller warhead, with about one-third less explosives than is delivered with the existing M31 rocket, depending on the type ({{cvt|16|kg}}{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb |url=https://www.boeing.co.kr/resources/ko_KR/Seoul-International/2015/GLSDB.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930191708/https://www.boeing.co.kr/resources/ko_KR/Seoul-International/2015/GLSDB.pdf |archive-date=30 September 2023 |access-date=14 May 2023 |website=Boeing}} vs {{cvt|23|kg}}{{cite web |date=2021-10-14 |title=Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary Warhead |url=https://www.gd-ots.com/missiles-and-rockets/warheads-and-payloads/gmlrs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927140957/https://www.gd-ots.com/missiles-and-rockets/warheads-and-payloads/gmlrs/ |archive-date=2023-09-27 |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems}}). While typical rockets from multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) follow a ballistic trajectory, the rocket-launched SDB can be launched to altitude and glide on a selected trajectory.{{cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tony |date=24 May 2013 |title=Boeing furthers Ground-Launched SDB |url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/boeing-furthers-ground-launched-sdb/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714182049/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/boeing-furthers-ground-launched-sdb |archive-date=14 July 2013 |work=Shephard Media}}{{cite news |date=22 October 2013 |title=Boeing Developing Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb |url=http://www.defensenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013310220034 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131026162744/http://www.defensenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013310220034 |archive-date=26 October 2013 |access-date=8 January 2023 |work=Defense News}} Twelve M26 rockets at a time can be launched from MLRS, six at a time from HIMARS.{{cite web |last=Axe |first=David |date=2023-02-03 |title=Ukraine's New Rocket-Boosted Glide-Bombs Can Turn Around And Hit Targets On The Backs Of Hills, 90 Miles Away |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/02/03/ukraines-new-rocket-boosted-glide-bombs-can-turn-around-and-hit-targets-on-the-backs-of-hills-90-miles-away/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203194551/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/02/03/ukraines-new-rocket-boosted-glide-bombs-can-turn-around-and-hit-targets-on-the-backs-of-hills-90-miles-away/ |archive-date=2023-02-03 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=Forbes}}
Boeing and Saab Group conducted three successful GLSDB tests in February 2015. Unlike traditional artillery weapons, the GLSDB offers 360-degree coverage for high and low angles of attack, flying around terrain to hit targets on the back of mountains, or circling back around to a target behind the launch vehicle. The GLSDB has a range of {{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on}}, or can hit targets {{convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on}} behind the launch vehicle.{{cite news |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |date=10 March 2015 |title=Boeing, Saab Unveil Ground Launched SDB |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/land/weapons/2015/03/10/boeing-saab-small-diameter-bomber-ground-launch/24705183/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180519172306/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2015/03/10/boeing-saab-unveil-ground-launched-sdb/ |archive-date=19 May 2018 |work=Defensenews.com}}{{Cite web |date=1 November 2015 |title=Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) – Army Technology |url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/small-diameter-bomb-glsdb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025113629/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/small-diameter-bomb-glsdb/ |archive-date=25 October 2023 |website=Army Technology}} The weapon can be set to detonate above the ground or with a delay for deep penetration.
In a 2017 demonstration, the GLSDB engaged a moving target at a distance of {{cvt|100|km|mi}}. The SDB and rocket motor separated at altitude and the bomb used a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker to track and engage the target.{{cite web |date=13 June 2018 |title=Ground launched SDB jointly made by Saab and Boeing |url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/eurosatory_2018_official_news_online/eurosatory_2018_ground_launched_sdb_jointly_made_by_saab_and_boeing.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530073219/https://www.armyrecognition.com/eurosatory_2018_official_news_online/eurosatory_2018_ground_launched_sdb_jointly_made_by_saab_and_boeing.html |archive-date=30 May 2023 |work=Army Recognition}} The laser-guided SDB had previously been tested successfully using targets travelling at {{convert|50|mph|km/h}}.{{cite web |last=Weisgerber |first=Marcus |date=9 August 2012 |title=Boeing: Laser Small Diameter Bomb Could Fill Gap |url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120809/DEFREG02/308090001/Boeing-Laser-Small-Diameter-Bomb-Could-Fill-Gap |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140527172718/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120809/DEFREG02/308090001/Boeing-Laser-Small-Diameter-Bomb-Could-Fill-Gap |archive-date=27 May 2014 |access-date=8 April 2023 |work=Defense News}}
The cost is undisclosed; however the SDB used in GLSDB has a cost to the U.S. military of about $40,000,{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Mike |date=28 November 2022 |title=Exclusive: 100-mile strike weapon weighed for Ukraine as arms makers wrestle with demand |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/100-mile-strike-weapon-weighed-ukraine-arms-makers-wrestle-with-demand-sources-2022-11-28/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128060827/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/100-mile-strike-weapon-weighed-ukraine-arms-makers-wrestle-with-demand-sources-2022-11-28/ |archive-date=28 November 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022 |website=Reuters}}{{cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2020-02-18 |title=Here Is What Each Of The Pentagon's Air-Launched Missiles And Bombs Actually Cost |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32277/here-is-what-each-of-the-pentagons-air-launched-missiles-and-bombs-actually-cost |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124225825/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32277/here-is-what-each-of-the-pentagons-air-launched-missiles-and-bombs-actually-cost |archive-date=2023-11-24 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=The Drive}} with the accompanying M26 rocket coming from obsolete inventory. The amount to be allocated to each GLSDB of the cost of the "inter-stage adapter", the cost to develop a launcher-container, and the other GLSDB development and production costs of Boeing and Saab is unknown.{{cite web |last=Dyson |first=Tauren |date=2019-09-27 |title=Boeing awarded $280M contract for small diameter bomb integration |url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/09/27/Boeing-awarded-280M-contract-for-small-diameter-bomb-integration/7501569612558/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928024801/https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/09/27/Boeing-awarded-280M-contract-for-small-diameter-bomb-integration/7501569612558/ |archive-date=2019-09-28 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=UPI}} For comparison purposes, the cost of a single M31 rocket is estimated at $500,000, though this may be the "export price", always higher than the amount charged to the U.S. Army.{{cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=How Much GMLRS Missiles for HIMARS Cost: New Massive Contract with Finland Tells |url=https://en.defence-ua.com/news/how_much_gmlrs_missiles_for_himars_cost_new_massive_contract_with_finland_tells-4742.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105082039/https://en.defence-ua.com/news/how_much_gmlrs_missiles_for_himars_cost_new_massive_contract_with_finland_tells-4742.html |archive-date=2024-01-05 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Defense Express}} According to the U.S. Army's budget, it will pay about $168,000 for each GMLRS in 2023.{{cite web |last=Altman |first=Howard |date=2022-07-27 |title=Are There Enough Guided Rockets For HIMARS To Keep Up With Ukraine War Demand? |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/are-there-enough-guided-rockets-for-himars-to-keep-up-with-ukraine-war-demand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208011002/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/are-there-enough-guided-rockets-for-himars-to-keep-up-with-ukraine-war-demand |archive-date=2023-12-08 |access-date=2023-04-04 |website=The Drive}}{{cite web |last=Parsons |first=Dan |date=2022-05-31 |title=Ukraine To Get Guided Rockets, But Not Ones Able To Reach Far Into Russia (Updated) |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-to-get-guided-rockets-but-not-ones-able-to-reach-far-into-russia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215151444/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-to-get-guided-rockets-but-not-ones-able-to-reach-far-into-russia |archive-date=2023-12-15 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=The Drive}} The GLSDB is being offered to Ukraine as a long distance alternative to the {{cvt|300|km}} ATACMS missiles,{{cite web |date=2023-06-22 |title=Ukraine to receive first GLSDB missiles no earlier than autumn – Pentagon |url=https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-receive-first-glsdb-missiles-132500338.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803125112/https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-receive-first-glsdb-missiles-132500338.html |archive-date=2023-08-03 |access-date=2023-07-03 |website=Yahoo! News |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Gould |first=Joe |date=2023-01-19 |title=US still holds back long-range ATACMS missiles from Ukraine |url=https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/01/19/us-still-holds-back-long-range-atacms-missiles-from-ukraine/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240108230236/https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/01/19/us-still-holds-back-long-range-atacms-missiles-from-ukraine/ |archive-date=2024-01-08 |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=Defense News}} which have a price per unit estimated to be well over $1 million.{{cite journal | last=Cancian | first=Mark F. | title=Will the United States Provide Long-Range Rockets to Ukraine? | website=CSIS | date=2022-05-31 | url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/will-united-states-provide-long-range-rockets-ukraine | access-date=2023-05-13}} The other long distance alternative is the {{cvt|250|km}} Storm Shadow missiles,{{cite web |last=Roblin |first=Sébastien |date=2023-05-11 |title=U.K. Gives Ukraine the Storm Shadow: Long-Range Missile Details |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a43864887/uk-gives-ukraine-storm-shadow-long-range-missile/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025355/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a43864887/uk-gives-ukraine-storm-shadow-long-range-missile/ |archive-date=2023-11-08 |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=Popular Mechanics}} each of which is estimated to cost around £2 million ($2.5 million,{{cite web | title=1 GBP to USD | website=British Pounds to US Dollars Exchange Rate | date=2023-05-13 | url=https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=GBP&To=USD | access-date=2023-05-13}} fiscal year 2023). The U.K. has agreed to supply these to Ukraine.{{cite web |last=Sabbagh |first=Dan |date=2023-05-09 |title=British-led coalition hopes to supply longer-range missiles to Ukraine |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/british-led-coalition-hoping-to-supply-longer-range-missiles-to-ukraine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102041312/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/british-led-coalition-hoping-to-supply-longer-range-missiles-to-ukraine |archive-date=2023-11-02 |access-date=2023-05-13 |website=the Guardian}} The purpose in developing the weapons was to offer poorer countries the strike capacity of more expensive and advanced air forces.
Unlike conventional artillery that follows a predictable path from launch to destination, the wings and navigation ability of the GLSDB allow it to evade obstacles and anti-air defenses by steering around them, even approaching from the target’s rear.{{cite web |date=2023-02-01 |title=Factbox: U.S. rocket-powered bomb would double Ukraine's strike range |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-rocket-powered-bomb-would-double-ukraines-strike-range-2023-02-01/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206181244/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-rocket-powered-bomb-would-double-ukraines-strike-range-2023-02-01/ |archive-date=2023-02-06 |access-date=2023-04-05 |website=Reuters}} Also, because the GLSDB is a glider it has little IR signature, making it a poor target for IR homing missiles such as MANPADS.{{cite web | title=GLSDB, Perhaps a Low Cost, Containerized, Precision, Shore Bombardment and Anti-Ship Weapon / Maybe Taiwan Could Use It Too | website=Chuck Hill's CG Blog | date=2022-12-15 | url=https://chuckhillscgblog.net/2022/12/14/glsdb-perhaps-a-low-cost-containerized-precision-shore-bombardment-and-anti-ship-weapon-maybe-taiwan-could-use-it-too/ | access-date=2023-04-08}}
Use in combat
On 3 February 2023, the United States government announced an aid package for Ukraine as part of assistance during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine that would include the GLSDB, which could be launched out of existing Ukraine-operated HIMARS or MLRS launchers (or out of its own launcher) to hit Russian targets that had been moved out of GMLRS range. The GLSDB almost doubles the range that Ukraine could previously target with these launchers (150 km (93 mi) vs 85 km (53 mi) with GMLRS).{{cite web |last=Bickerton |first=James |date=2023-02-03 |title=U.S. giving Ukraine smart bombs to double strike range against Russia |url=https://www.newsweek.com/us-giving-ukraine-smart-bombs-double-strike-range-against-russia-1778875 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004192915/https://www.newsweek.com/us-giving-ukraine-smart-bombs-double-strike-range-against-russia-1778875 |archive-date=2023-10-04 |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=Newsweek}}
The weapon entered "initial mass production stage" in 2023.{{cite web |last=Bisht |first=Inder Singh |date=2023-03-30 |title=Ukraine War Delayed Taiwan's 150-Kilometer Precision Bomb Purchase: Report |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/03/30/ukraine-taiwan-precision-bomb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806003610/https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/03/30/ukraine-taiwan-precision-bomb/ |archive-date=2023-08-06 |access-date=2023-04-03 |website=The Defense Post}} On 30 January 2024, Politico reported that the missiles could be deployed as soon as the following day.{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/30/new-us-made-longer-range-bomb-expected-to-arrive-as-soon-wednesday-in-ukraine-00138566 |title=New US-made longer-range bomb expected to arrive as soon as Wednesday in Ukraine |first1=Lee |last1=Hudson |first2=Lara |last2=Seligman |first3=Paul |last3=McLeary |website=Politico |date=30 January 2024 |access-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130190859/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/30/new-us-made-longer-range-bomb-expected-to-arrive-as-soon-wednesday-in-ukraine-00138566 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |url-status=live }} On 14 February 2024, Russian media published footage on what looks to be a GLSDB tail wreckage, reportedly found near Kreminna, Luhansk Oblast.{{cite web |date=15 February 2024 |title=Defense Express: Ukraine uses GLSDB for the first time in human history, shocks Russia |url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2024/02/15/defense-express-ukraine-uses-glsdb-for-the-first-time-in-history-shocks-russia/|author=Serge Havrylets| access-date=15 February 2024 |website=euromaidanpress}}{{cite web |date=14 February 2024 |title=Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb Makes Combat Debut In Ukraine|url=https://www.twz.com/news-features/ground-launched-small-diameter-bombs-make-combat-debut-in-ukraine|author=Thomas Newdick |access-date=15 February 2024 |website=twz}} On 26 March 2024, a GLSDB was used to strike a house, in Chernyanka, Kherson, where Russian UAV operators were based.{{cite web |date=26 March 2024 |title= GLSDB hit the position of Russian UAV operators in the Kherson region |url= https://mil.in.ua/en/news/glsdb-hit-the-position-of-russian-uav-operators-in-the-kherson-region/ |access-date=7 April 2024}}{{npsn|date=February 2025}} Ukrainian forces also destroyed a Russia 2S9 Nona 120 mm mortar and the “burning” of another in Zaporizhzhia.{{cite web |date=27 March 2024 |title= Ukraine forces use GLSDB precision guided bomb to destroy Russian 2S Nona-S mortar carriers |url= https://armyrecognition.com/ukraine_-_russia_conflict_war_2022/ukraine_forces_use_glsdb_precision_guided_bomb_to_destroy_russian_2s_nona-s_mortar_carriers.html |website= Army Recognition |access-date=7 April 2024}}
In April 2024, a U.S. defense official remarked that the combat performance had been disappointing: due to Russian jamming and deficiencies in tactics, techniques, and procedures "it just didn't work". The War Zone was not certain that this was the weapon system referred to. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, William LaPlante, could have referred also to the APKWS II or another undisclosed weapon system. The Under Secretary also noted that the production and testing of the weapon was "raced and (they) did it as fast as they could". He also referred to multiple reasons, including tactics, doctrine and "electromagnetic interference" as being issues.{{cite web| date=April 25, 2024|access-date=April 25, 2024| title=Have Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs Been 'Thrown Aside' By Ukraine? |author=Joseph Trivithick |website=twz |url=https://www.twz.com/land/have-ground-launched-small-diameter-bombs-been-thrown-aside-by-ukraine}}
Ukrainian Air Force has used air dropped GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs since November 2023. The air dropped Small Diameter Bomb "has proved resilient to jamming” and has a “nearly 90 percent" accuracy rate. Previously Ukraine had operated the GLSDB ground launched version of the Small Diameter Bomb which was regarded "ineffective" due to Russian jamming. They are also harder to intercept due to their small size.{{cite news |title=Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It's Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs |url=https://www.twz.com/news-features/ukraine-situation-report-kyiv-says-its-using-air-launched-small-diameter-bombs |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=TWZ|author=THOMAS NEWDICK |date=24 May 2024 |language=en}} This small size, combined with being air launched, means that the SDB might hit a target before Russian electronic warfare can jam the weapon. The GLSDB has a "parabolic flight path" of artillery fire that can be detected on radar.{{cite news |title=US-made GBU-39 SDB Glide Bomb is Beating Russian Jamming In Ukraine |url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/05/25/gbu-39-sdb-glide-bomb-in-ukraine/ |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=The Aviationist|author=PARTH SATAM |date=25 May 2024 |language=en}}
As of 13 March 2025, the US started resupplying Ukraine with GLSDB due to a shortage of ATACMS missiles. The new versions have reinforced connections to prevent electronic jamming. The new weapons can travel at up to Mach 5 and have a range of 150 kms.{{Cite web |title= US Resumes GLSDB Missile Deliveries to Ukraine to Sustain Deep Strikes on Russian Infrastructure. |url= https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/us-resumes-glsdb-missile-deliveries-to-ukraine-to-sustain-deep-strikes-on-russian-infrastructure |access-date=2025-03-19|website=Army Recognition |author= Mike Stone|language=en}}
Operators
=Current operators=
- {{UKR}}
- Ukrainian Ground Forces
=Potential operators=
- {{TWN}}
- Republic of China Army