The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Romania of GBU-39B Small Diameter Bombs, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on 18 February 2025.
The proposed sale, which is worth an estimated USD 84 million (EUR 80 million), has been passed to the US Congress for final approval.
Romania has requested to buy 400) Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-39B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-Is) and two GBU-39 (T-1)/B inert practice bombs with fuze. Also included in the package are GBU-39 tactical training rounds; Common Munitions Built-In-Test (BIT)/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); spare parts; and various aspects of engineering, logistics, technical, training and programme support.
The DSCA stated that the proposed sale “will improve Romania’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its ability to deter and defend against all threats and to participate in NATO coalition air operations”.
The Romanian Air Force currently operates a fleet of 29 F-16AM/BM fighters but on 21 November 2024 Bucharest signed a letter of offer and acceptance to procure 32 Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighters through the FMS process.
The principal contractor for the SDB FMS will be Boeing out of its facilities in St Louis, Missouri.
