Home Air Diehl secures German order for Mk-83 Trojan penetrator warheads

Diehl secures German order for Mk-83 Trojan penetrator warheads

Mk-83 TIP warhead
Photo: Diehl Defence

German defense technology company Diehl Defence revealed it recently received an order from the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) for the delivery of Mk-83 Trojan Improved Penetrator (TIP) warheads.

The Mk-83 TIP are procured as alternative warheads for the precision ammunition GBU-48 integrated into the Eurofighter fighter aircraft and already introduced into the air force.

TIPs consist of the Mk-83 effector, equipped with an Enhanced Paveway II guidance kit for precise control by means of semiactive laser.

In contrast to the original Mk-83 warhead, the TIP version stands out due to its significantly lower demolition effect whilst considerably increasing the penetration capacity.

According to Diehl, the all-weather and standoff capable air-to-surface effector GBU-48 TIP is not only optimized for the engagement of hardened point and area targets but also for operations in urban areas for close air support of own troops. The risk of collateral damage for the air force in such operations is reduced thanks to the combination of precision and low explosive power.

TIP was developed by Diehl in cooperation with the technical and mathematical research society (technisch-mathematische Studiengesellschaft) located in Bonn. In addition, the system incorporates the FBM 21 multi-option fuze by Junghans Defence.

GBU-48 TIP proved its effectiveness recently during the operational suitability test on the test range in Vidsel. Diehl expects to start deliveries of first serial units in 2023.

Aside from the delivery of the warheads, the contract includes necessary training tools, performance of explosion tests and the support of approval procedures.