The U.S. Air Force said the GBU-39B is designed to limit collateral damage while expanding the MQ-9’s ability to deliver persistent and scalable effects for special operations forces. The weapon is intended to support operations across a range of environments where precision and endurance are required.
The GBU-39B is a low-yield, all-weather, precision-guided munition designed to engage targets in complex situations. When released from sufficient altitude and speed, the bomb can glide up to 60 miles and strike within one meter of its intended target.
The Air Force said the weapon’s range allows the MQ-9 to deliver kinetic effects while operating beyond the reach of most ground-based air defenses. That capability is intended to improve the platform’s survivability and effectiveness in contested environments.
“In this shifting battlespace, adversaries layer lethal obstacles to deny us,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua Swann, an MQ-9 squadron commander assigned to the 27th SOW. “The GBU-39’s reach guarantees we can stay in a fight under hostile threats and continue to solve the joint force’s hard tactical problems.”
The GBU-39 weighs about 250 pounds and carries 36 pounds of high explosive. Its warhead is capable of penetrating up to one meter of steel-reinforced concrete.
The MQ-9 carries the weapon using the BRU-78 Dual Carriage System, which was developed specifically for the Reaper. The system allows the aircraft to carry a larger number of smaller munitions than some other weapons carriage options.
“When striking targets, our intent is to maximize effects and minimize collateral damage,” said an MQ-9 pilot assigned to the 27th SOW. “Carrying a higher number of low-yield munitions allows us to stay on station longer and provide more effective support to our troops on the ground.”
The GBU-39B entered U.S. Air Force service in 2006. Since then, the United States and several partner nations have employed more than 17,000 GBU-39s from fighter and gunship aircraft in operations ranging from counterterrorism missions to large-scale conventional warfare.
The munition is also used by the AC-130 Ghostrider II fleet assigned to the 27th Special Operations Wing. The AC-130 can carry up to eight GBU-39B bombs on its wing-mounted weapon stations.
“The GBU-39 is one of our most versatile munitions,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Clifford Lucas, an AC-130 squadron commander assigned to the 27th SOW. “By putting this level of adaptable firepower under our wings, we ensure our warfighters always have the exact tool needed to eliminate the threat.”
The Air Force said integrating the GBU-39B onto the MQ-9 is part of a broader effort by Air Commandos to adapt to an evolving battlespace. The new capability gives MQ-9 crews additional options for precision effects while supporting the joint force.
“This capability gives our crews greater flexibility to deliver precision effects while supporting the Joint Force across the spectrum of conflict,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Johnston, 27th SOW commander. “Our Air Commandos remain focused on providing relevant, ready and lethal options for today’s fight and while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.”
