The United States has reportedly asked Lebanon to hand over a GBU-39 small-diameter glide bomb that was launched by the Israeli Air Force during the operation that killed Hezbollah commander Ali Tabatabai earlier this week. The munition, which did not explode, was located in Beirut, according to Lebanese media.
Reports in Lebanon indicate that American officials are concerned the device could be obtained by Russia or China if it remains unsecured. So far, Lebanese authorities have not made any formal statement regarding the request.
Capabilities of the GBU-39
The GBU-39, produced by Boeing, is a compact precision-guided glide bomb. After release, its wings extend, enabling it to travel distances of up to 110 kilometers despite the absence of an engine. This long reach allows aircraft to stay outside hostile air-defense zones while deploying the weapon.
Its engineless design also makes the bomb considerably cheaper than many alternatives, with an estimated unit cost of around $50,000.
Operational Advantages
Although glide bombs are now widely used, the GBU-39 stands out due to its highly efficient warhead, capable of delivering substantial destructive force for its size and penetrating reinforced structures.
Weighing roughly 110 kilograms, the bomb is compact enough that four units can replace a single oneton Mark 84, enabling a fighter jet to engage numerous targets in a single mission. The weapon is equipped with GPS and inertial navigation systems that can achieve impact precision within one meter, minimizing the number of munitions needed and reducing risks to surrounding aircraft and infrastructure.
The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), introduced in 2006, was created for optimal integration with the internal weapons bays of the F35, allowing the aircraft to carry up to eight of them while maintaining a low radar signature.
Production and International Users
Approximately 20,000 GBU-39 units have been manufactured by Boeing. The United States restricts sales to select partners, including Italy, Australia, the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia. A ground-launched adaptation has also been supplied to Ukraine. In Israel, the bomb is known as Sharp Hail and is deployed across all major fighter platforms.
