Israel Asks For Bunker-Buster Bombs

2005-04-26

Israel - Guided Bomb Units (GBU-28)

Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency

On 26 April 2005, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of 100 GBU-28s as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $30 million.

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 100 GBU-28s that include: BLU-113A/B penetration warhead, WGU-36A/B guidance control unit, FMU-143H/B bomb fuze, and BSG-92/B airfoil group guide. Also included are: support equipment; testing, spare and repair parts; supply support; publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $30 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for economic progress in the Middle East. The GBU-28 is a special weapon that was developed for penetrating hardened command centers located deep underground. The Israeli Air Force will use these GBU-28s on their F-15 aircraft.

Israel will maintain its qualitative edge with a balance of new weapons procurement and upgrades supporting its existing systems. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing these munitions into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The U.S. Government plans to acquire the 100 GBU-28s for this proposed sale from new procurement, but not from existing inventory.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin Corporation in Fort Worth, Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to Israel.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

Source: IMRA – Independent Media Review and Analysis