US calls on Lebanon to return unexploded bomb. This is why they want it back

The United States has urgently asked Lebanese authorities to return an unexploded GBU-39B precision-guided bomb recovered in Beirut’s southern suburbs, fearing that the sensitive US military technology contained within the device could fall into the hands of their rival states, such as Russia, China, or Iran.

The unexploded munition, identified as a GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), was reportedly found in Beirut’s Harat Hreik district following a recent Israeli strike, which is believed to be a stronghold of Hezbollah.

According to Lebanese media reports, citing Israeli media and the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar television, the munition failed to detonate and was recovered intact.

The US request comes as war continues in the region.

The GBU-39B is a vital piece of US and allied military hardware. Manufactured by Boeing, the GBU-39 is a glide bomb that, despite lacking its own engine, deploys wings upon launch and can glide up to 110 km.

The US is keen to keep the weapon’s technology out of rivals’ possession because the GBU-39B contains advanced guidance and targeting systems.

Washington has reportedly stressed the critical security risks that would arise if rivals were able to study or reverse-engineer the bomb. The advanced technology within the device makes its recovery critical.

So why do they care so much? The GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a 250-pound, precision-guided munition. Manufactured by Boeing, it is utilised by the US and its allies. The device is classified as a glide bomb, and despite lacking its own engine, it deploys wings upon launch, enabling it to glide up to 110 km.

The munition is designed for operation in all-weather conditions, day or night. It contains advanced guidance and targeting systems, and uses GPS-based navigation to strike fixed or stationary targets with high accuracy. The GBU-39B has the capability to hit targets located more than 40 nautical miles away and can be programmed for single or multiple strikes. Target coordinates are loaded into the bomb before its release, either on the ground or by the aircrew during flight. Once launched, it navigates independently using a GPS and inertial guidance system.

Due to its compact size, aircraft are able to carry more weapons per mission. Each smart-carriage rack is designed to hold four of these 250-pound munitions, which allows fighters and bombers to carry multiple SDBs internally or on external hardpoints. The compact size also contributes to reducing the risk of collateral damage.

As of this report, Lebanese officials have not publicly confirmed whether the device is currently in their custody or how they intend to proceed regarding the urgent US request for its return.

IOL