StormBreaker is ready for action
USAF Air Combat Command gives green light for F-15E Strike Eagles to carry the weapon
F-15E Strike Eagle multirole fighters are set to carry the compact GBU-53/B StormBreaker precision-guided glide bomb, after the weapon was approved for use by the USAF Air Combat Command.
Paul Ferraro, VP of the Air Power business in Raytheon Missiles & Defense, claimed in a 13 October statement that StormBreaker ‘delivers an unprecedented capability’ with its ability to strike maritime or land-based mobile targets at about 65km range in poor weather conditions.
StormBreaker includes a tri-mode seeker that uses imaging IR and millimetre-wave radar in its normal mode. The weapon can also deploy a semi-active laser with GPS and INS guidance to hit targets.
‘With its multimode seeker and datalink, StormBreaker will make adverse weather irrelevant,’ said Cristy Stagg, programme director at Raytheon.
The weapon will next be fielded on USN F/A-18E/F Super Hornets following guided release tests earlier in 2020, and it will also be installed on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly]()
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter]()
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
-
![Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success]()
Callen-Lenz pushes ahead with Nyan OWE as it hails operational success
The one-way-effector uncrewed aerial vehicle has also been tested by the British Army, following on from its contract award notice in February 2026.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA]()
Eurosatory 2026: Locally produced loitering munition destined for UAE Navy, says MBDA
The contract signed between MBDA and Fly-R will see diamond-shaped loitering munitions developed and prepared in the UAE. How does this move fit into wider market trends in the region?
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up]()
Eurosatory 2026: MBDA and Thales look to civilian industry for loitering munition scale-up
Thales and MBDA have taken steps to ensure the mass production of their respective loitering munition offerings at Eurosatoy, teaming with civilian manufacturers. These moves come amid France’s push towards sovereign drone production and continued market expansion.
