The US has given the green light to a possible $113 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) that will allow Norway to acquire 816 GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs, further expanding its precision strike portfolio. The announcement, released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), highlights that the deal encompasses not only the munitions but also spare parts, logistics, and technical support to guarantee effective long-term use. Designed for maximum efficiency, the GBU-39B allows aircraft to carry four precision-guided bombs in a compact carriage, multiplying strike capability without overloading platforms. Each munition weighs around 250 pounds and carries a penetrating/blast-fragmentation warhead, giving it the ability to destroy fortified bunkers, missile sites, and hardened infrastructure. Its GPS-aided inertial navigation system provides accuracy within meters, while the bomb’s 60+ nautical mile standoff range enables aircraft to strike targets without entering heavily defended airspace. Norway’s request for these weapons reflects its ongoing efforts to bolster its deterrence capacity in response to intensifying Russian military activities across Northern Europe. The acquisition also strengthens NATO interoperability, ensuring that Norwegian F-35 Lightning II fighters can seamlessly operate alongside US and European forces. Boeing is the designated prime contractor, tasked with overseeing production and delivery. The deal also includes sustainment provisions to ensure the bombs remain combat-ready throughout their lifecycle. By securing these munitions, Oslo ensures its air force maintains technological parity with major NATO allies. The sale comes at a time when European NATO members are accelerating investments in advanced munitions. Finland, Norway’s neighbor, has requested AIM-120D-3 AMRAAMs, while Belgium has sought AIM-9X Sidewinders. This trend underscores NATO’s shared concern about maintaining credible deterrence in the face of unpredictable threats. The DSCA statement underlined that the proposed sale aligns with US foreign policy goals by reinforcing the security of a dependable ally, while simultaneously ensuring that America’s defense industrial base benefits from continued production of advanced weapons systems.
