In the latest phase of its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russia has deployed a formidable new weapon: glide bombs. These bombs have significantly bolstered Russia's offensive capabilities, wreaking havoc on Ukrainian defensive positions and civilian infrastructure.
The use of these modified Soviet-era bombs, equipped with modern guidance systems, has allowed Russia to inflict severe damage from a distance. One of the most devastating examples is the FAB-1500, a 1,500-kilogram bomb that has been nicknamed the "building destroyer" by Russian military bloggers. These bombs have a destruction radius of 200 meters and can be launched from up to 70 kilometers away, keeping the launch aircraft safely out of reach of Ukrainian air defenses.
🇷🇺💥🇺🇦 First use of FAB-3000 with a glide module on Ukrainian positions in Liptsy, Kharkov region!
The bomb didn't hit directly the building where Ukrainian troops were deployed, but it was the first time this kind of weapon has been used. pic.twitter.com/CbTWqaTMFy
— Z.O.V Military (@WarHunter2222) June 20, 2024
In recent months, the scale of Russian attacks using these bombs has escalated dramatically. Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv, Sumy, and Donetsk have been hit repeatedly, with hundreds of bombs dropped in concentrated assaults. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, reported that Russia dropped 700 glide bombs in just six days at the end of March 2024.
The effectiveness of these weapons lies in their combination of old and new technology. While the base of the bombs comes from Soviet-era munitions, the addition of satellite guidance and retractable wings has transformed them into precise and deadly tools. These modifications are relatively inexpensive, allowing Russia to produce and deploy them in large numbers.
russia attacked Kharkiv today with glide bombs, damaging several homes and wounding 8 people‼️
A 75-year-old man was trapped under the rubble for over an hour before being rescued. pic.twitter.com/a8oSvFP8Ek
— Kate from Kharkiv (@BohuslavskaKate) June 10, 2024
The psychological impact of these bombings on Ukrainian soldiers and civilians has been profound. The sheer explosive power and accuracy of the bombs have made them a significant threat, leading to widespread destruction and casualties. In Kharkiv, a recent bombing of the Epicenter shopping complex resulted in 19 deaths, including two children. This attack was part of a broader strategy to depopulate and demoralize Ukrainian cities, according to local officials.
Ukraine's ability to counter these attacks is hampered by several factors. While Ukraine also uses similar technology, such as the US-made JDAM bombs, their supply is limited compared to Russia's extensive stockpiles of Soviet-era bombs. Additionally, Ukrainian air defenses are stretched thin and cannot intercept every glide bomb, particularly given their high launch altitude and range.
Despite the dire situation, Ukrainian forces continue to adapt. Efforts to target Russian airbases and disrupt supply chains have been ongoing, though they face significant challenges due to restrictions on the use of Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia. There are calls for more advanced anti-aircraft systems and potentially even the deployment of Western fighter jets to better defend against these aerial threats (The Independent).
As Russia's summer offensive gains momentum, the deployment of glide bombs represents a strategic shift in the conflict, enabling Russia to conduct sustained and devastating attacks with relative impunity. The international community watches closely, as the outcome of this phase could have far-reaching implications for the war's trajectory and the stability of the region (CEPA).
