The US State Department has authorized a potential $180-million sale of precision-guided munitions to Poland, marking a significant step in enhancing the Eastern European country’s military capabilities. Warsaw’s request includes 1,400 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) and four GBU-39 (T-1)/B inert practice bombs, along with tactical training rounds, various components, and logistical support.
These Boeing-manufactured precision munitions are set to be integrated with Poland’s upgraded F-16V JastrzÄ…b and F-35A Husarz fighter aircraft. This upgrade is designed to bolster Poland’s air-to-ground strike capabilities, thereby strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank amid rising security concerns.
The GBU-39/B, weighing 250 pounds (113 kilograms), utilizes GPS/INS navigation to accurately strike targets located up to 46 miles (74 kilometers) away. Its compact design not only minimizes collateral damage but also allows aircraft to carry up to four bombs per pylon using the BRU-61/A smart carriage, significantly increasing the payload for each mission.
Poland, a proactive NATO member and a committed ally of Ukraine, is notably increasing its defense spending. The country aims to elevate its defense budget from 4.7 percent to approximately 5 percent of GDP by 2026. In the first half of 2025, Warsaw has actively pursued military modernization, enhancing interoperability with its Western allies, and making substantial acquisitions including a nearly $2-billion Patriot air defense system, $1.33 billion in medium-range air-to-air missiles, and $745 million in anti-radiation missiles from the US.
Additionally, Poland’s defense strategy encompasses purchasing 10,000 Warmate kamikaze drones, Tarantula unmanned ground systems, and Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles, reflecting a broader commitment to fortifying its armed forces in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics.
