USAF orders integration and test work for StormBreaker
StormBreaker warhead, pictured in a 2020 test. (Photo: Raytheon)
Raytheon will deliver GBU-53/B All-Up Round test vehicles and other equipment by April 2023.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense will conduct integration and test work on the GBU-53/B StormBreaker precision-guided glide bomb (previously known as the Small Diameter Bomb II) under a $79.4 million sole-source contract from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.
The company will deliver All-Up Round (AUR) test vehicles, perform AUR-level assembly, checkout, testing and systems integration testing; and prepare multiple engineering changes such as National Security Agency cryptographic modernisation, GPS military code, mitigation of part obsolescence, and design changes evolving from production and/or operations.
Work is expected to be completed by 1 April 2023.
StormBreaker employs a tri-mode seeker that uses imaging IR and millimetre-wave radar in its normal mode, according to Shephard Defence Insight. The weapon can also deploy a semi-active laser or GPS guidance to hit targets.
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
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
