The Italians plan to purchase a batch of RTX GBU-53/B StormBreaker SDB-II guided bombs. Rome intends to increase the package by 125 units and eight mass-dimension simulators. Previously, the Italians received approvals to buy 48 GBU-53/B SDB-II bombs and four mass-dimension simulators.
The new batch has been valued at a maximum of USD 150 million. The first bombs intended for Italy were contracted in December last year.
The GBU-53/B StormBreaker bombs, thanks to their multi-functional guidance system, can be used to destroy both stationary and moving targets. Due to their light weight (93 kg), they can be carried in greater numbers by multirole combat aircraft, allowing them to eliminate a larger number of targets while minimizing collateral damage around the attack site.
As part of the second, approved request, the Italians want to purchase an additional twelve AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM guided missiles. This case also involves an extension of a previously approved inquiry, which also included twelve missiles along with the necessary logistical package. In this instance, the total (24 missiles along with the necessary additional and support elements) has been valued at a maximum of USD 70 million.
Both the StormBreaker bombs and AMRAAM missiles will serve as critical enhancements to Italy’s F-35 Lightning II fleet, bolstering its air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities.
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