The US Air Force (USAF) has issued a contract for a new penetrator warhead. New penetrator will replace its current BLU-109/B and BLU-109C/B systems.

Superior Forge and Steel Corporation will deliver 300 of the improved BLU-137/B penetrator warheads. Valued at USD476.9 million, the award will run through to 3 May 2020.

The USAF first declared its intention to procure an improved ‘bunker buster’ bomb with a draft request for proposals (RFP) that was issued in December 2016. The draft RFP covered the procurement of up to 15,000 of the 2,000 lb warheads running through to 2021.