The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Belgium of Small Diameter Bomb-Increment II (SDB-II) weapons and related elements of logistics and programme support, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 25 July 2024.
The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 115 million (EUR 106.6 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Belgium has requested to buy up to 196 Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-53/B SDB-II all-up-rounds (AURs). Also included are SDB-II Weapons Load Crew Trainers; training aids and devices; spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories; technical documentation; major modifications and maintenance support; and various aspects of training, logistics, technical and programme support.
“The proposed sale will improve Belgium’s capability to meet current and future threats by maintaining its F-35 fleet in combat-ready status and providing a credible deterrent to regional threats,” the DSCA stated.
The principal contractor for the sale will be RTX Corporation out of its facilities in Arlington, Virginia.
