May 25, 2026 1:32 PM
The US Air Force Special Operations Command has integrated the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb into MQ-9 Reaper drones, adding a long-range precision strike capability designed for contested environments.
The US Air Force Special Operations Command has integrated the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb into MQ-9 Reaper drones, adding a long-range precision strike capability designed for contested environments.
The low-yield, precision-guided munition expands the MQ-9’s role in supporting unconventional missions while aiming to reduce collateral damage.
Drones selected for the effort are assigned to the command’s 27th Special Operations Wing (SOW) at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, which handles infiltration, fire support, and replenishment tasks.
Read the full story on our new publication, The Drone Front: US Air Force MQ-9 Reapers Gain Long-Range Precision Strike Capability
US Air Force•drones•glide bombs•GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb•MQ-9 Reaper•autonomous systems•US Special Operations Command•bomb•special operations forces•GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb
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