In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, where precision and range can dictate the outcome of battles, Saab has once again pushed the boundaries of military innovation. At the prestigious MSPO 2025 defense exhibition, held in Kielce, Poland, the Swedish defense giant unveiled an advanced capability that promises to redefine deep-strike operations for rocket artillery systems. The spotlight was firmly on the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), a collaborative masterpiece developed in partnership with American aerospace leader Boeing. This system ingeniously repurposes the air-dropped GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb by mating it with the proven M26 rocket motor, transforming it into a ground-launched powerhouse capable of extending the reach of platforms like the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) to an impressive 150 kilometers.
The GLSDB isn’t just another munition; it’s a strategic game-changer designed to disrupt enemy logistics and force adversaries into uncomfortable positions. By enabling strikes at such extended ranges, it compels opponents to push their vital assets—such as ammunition depots, air defense batteries, and command-and-control centers—farther away from the front lines. This relocation not only complicates supply chains but also exposes these assets to greater vulnerabilities, stretching enemy resources thin and creating opportunities for allied forces. What sets the GLSDB apart is its multifaceted operational advantages: pinpoint accuracy down to one meter, the ability to engage targets from multiple directions, the capacity to fire salvos that hit multiple objectives simultaneously, and customizable variants that include laser-guided options or low-collateral-damage configurations. These features make it an ideal complement to existing rocket artillery, allowing commanders to approach targets from unexpected angles through its unique gliding trajectory, which can navigate around terrain obstacles and evade defenses more effectively than traditional ballistic projectiles.
Delving deeper into the technical ingenuity behind the GLSDB, the system integrates the compact yet potent GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb with a robust rocket booster derived from the M26 family. This hybrid design achieves a maximum range of up to 150 kilometers, significantly surpassing the 85-kilometer limit of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) when deployed from versatile launchers like the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) or the highly mobile M142 HIMARS. Compatibility extends beyond these U.S.-standard platforms; the GLSDB can also be integrated with South Korea’s Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher and even a innovative containerized launcher system that mimics a standard 20-foot shipping container. This containerized approach opens up new deployment possibilities, including maritime operations where the launcher could be placed on ships, barges, or coastal platforms, thereby expanding the system’s utility from land-based to amphibious and naval scenarios. Such flexibility ensures that forces can maintain surprise and adaptability in diverse theaters of operation, from dense urban environments to open terrains or even island-hopping campaigns.
At the heart of the GLSDB’s destructive potential is its 93-kilogram multipurpose warhead, which packs 16 kilograms of high-explosive material. This warhead is engineered for versatility, capable of penetrating more than 90 centimeters of reinforced concrete, making it suitable for hardened targets like bunkers, bridges, or armored vehicles. Guidance is handled by a sophisticated GPS-aided inertial navigation system (INS) that incorporates advanced anti-jamming technologies to maintain reliability even in contested electronic warfare environments. Once launched, the rocket booster propels the bomb to a high altitude, where it separates, deploys aerodynamic wings, and transitions into a gliding phase. This allows for exceptional maneuverability, enabling the munition to strike targets from virtually any angle—including those located behind the launch position itself. Programmable electronic fuzes add another layer of customization, offering detonation modes such as immediate surface impact for soft targets, proximity bursts for air defense suppression, or delayed penetration for deeply buried structures. For missions requiring minimal civilian risk, the Focused Lethality Munition variant reduces collateral damage through controlled fragmentation, while the laser-guided version excels at engaging dynamic, moving targets like vehicles or personnel on the move.
The development journey of the GLSDB has been marked by a series of rigorous trials that underscore its reliability and innovation. Back in 2015, early demonstrations showcased the system’s remarkable 360-degree attack profile, proving its ability to circle back and hit targets from unconventional directions. In 2017, a pivotal test successfully struck a moving target at 100 kilometers using an integrated laser seeker, highlighting its precision against elusive threats. Fast-forward to 2019, and the system aced a long-range trial at Norway’s Andøya Test Center, where it accurately engaged a sea-based target from 130 kilometers away via the containerized launcher. These tests not only validated the GLSDB’s extended range but also demonstrated its superior flight characteristics: unlike purely ballistic rockets, it can adjust its path mid-flight during the glide phase, dodging obstacles, terrain features, and enemy countermeasures with ease. This adaptability is crucial in modern conflicts where electronic warfare and anti-missile systems are prevalent, giving operators a decisive edge.
The GLSDB’s real-world debut came amid the intense conflict in Ukraine, where it was supplied by the United States and first confirmed in use near Kreminna in the Luhansk region by February 2024. Ukrainian forces initially praised its range and precision but soon encountered challenges from Russian electronic warfare tactics that jammed satellite navigation signals. The ground-launched nature of the GLSDB made it somewhat more susceptible to these disruptions compared to its air-dropped counterpart, prompting a temporary halt in deliveries. However, Saab and Boeing didn’t rest on their laurels; they swiftly iterated on the design, enhancing jamming resistance through reinforced system integrations and upgraded electronics. By March 2025, improved variants were back in production and shipment, capable of reaching hypersonic speeds up to Mach 5 during the initial boost phase while retaining their one-meter accuracy. These modifications have not only addressed immediate battlefield needs but also informed future enhancements, ensuring the GLSDB remains a relevant and evolving tool in global defense arsenals for years to come.
On the industrial front, Saab’s commitment to sustainable production is evident in recent partnerships and investments. In June 2025, the company selected Anduril Rocket Motor Systems to supply new solid rocket motors, moving away from relying solely on recycled legacy M26 stockpiles, which are no longer manufactured. Anduril’s ambitious plans include a $75 million investment in their McHenry, Mississippi facility, bolstered by a $14.3 million award from the U.S. Defense Production Act. This funding will enable production scaling to up to 6,000 motors annually starting in 2026, utilizing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques like single-piece-flow assembly lines and bladeless high-speed mixers for efficiency and quality control. The 2023 acquisition of Adranos by Anduril brought in proprietary ALITEC propellant technology, which promises increased performance and reduced environmental impact. Meanwhile, Saab is ramping up GLSDB assembly in Grayling, Michigan, with the first fully new systems anticipated within the next year. This shift from repurposing old motors to fresh production ensures a stable supply chain, mitigates risks from aging components, and supports long-term export opportunities.
During the MSPO 2025 showcase, attendees were treated to a striking truck-mounted mock-up featuring a 12-tube container launcher, illustrating how the GLSDB can be seamlessly integrated into various mobile platforms. This setup allows for concealed deployments in urban or forested areas, or even fortified positions that are harder for enemies to detect and target with counter-battery fire. The ability to launch multiple rounds in rapid succession enables coordinated salvos, where munitions arrive at their targets nearly simultaneously from different trajectories, overwhelming air defenses and maximizing impact. Economically, the GLSDB stands out as a cost-effective solution: by combining surplus M26 rockets with the relatively affordable SDB (priced around $40,000 each), it offers a budget-friendly alternative to high-end missiles like the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) at $1 million per unit or the Storm Shadow cruise missile at $2.5 million. With over 400,000 M26 rockets in storage from a production run that ended in 2001, there’s ample material to draw from, despite ongoing maintenance costs and international restrictions on cluster submunitions. The GLSDB’s smaller, precision-focused warhead avoids these issues, providing a balanced mix of range, accuracy, and affordability that extends the life and capabilities of existing rocket artillery without breaking the bank.
In summary, Saab’s GLSDB represents a pivotal advancement in precision-guided munitions, blending proven technologies into a versatile weapon that enhances deep-strike options for modern militaries. As global tensions rise and defense strategies evolve, systems like this could very well shape the future of artillery warfare, offering nations a reliable, adaptable, and economical means to maintain superiority on the battlefield.
