The battlefield in Ukraine has become an intense testing ground for both new and retrofitted weaponry. Among the various munitions employed, the use of glide bombs by Russian forces is altering the landscape of the war, showcasing their destructive capability and presenting a daunting challenge to Ukrainian defenses.
Glide bombs have emerged as a pivotal asset for Russia, assisting in territorial gains with devastating effect. These weapons, updated versions of Soviet-era bombs with a Unified Gliding and Correction Module. Equipped with fold-out wings and satellite navigation, they can be released from significant distances, allowing Russian aircraft to remain beyond the range of frontline Ukrainian air defense systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked on the intensity of these attacks, revealing that Russia had launched a total of 3,200 guided bombs at Ukraine in April alone.
Glide bombs, due to their heavy iron structures and high-speed descent from altitude, are nearly impossible to intercept once released. The most pragmatic defense strategy is to destroy the launch aircraft before bomb release, which necessitates robust and long-range air defense systems.
Ukraine’s response has involved downing Russian military planes, including 15 just in February, likely with the aid of systems like the Patriot. However, after Russian forces purportedly destroyed two Patriot launchers in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine has had to reposition its limited arsenal of advanced U.S.-made systems to mitigate further losses.
“This can be obtained with longer-range air defenses, such as Patriot and SAMP-T, to shoot down Russian aircraft or force them to fly too far for the use of gliding bombs, and with long-range missiles and attack drones to destroy the aircraft on the airfield,” according to Borsari.
Ukrainian forces have received glide bombs from Western allies, including the U.S. Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB), which offer more precision but are outnumbered by the Russian arsenal. The country’s leaders have repeatedly appealed for more long-range air defense systems, with Zelensky stating the need for 25 Patriot systems or equivalents to secure national defense.
Relevant articles:
– Glide bombs help Russia gain land in Ukraine. What makes them so effective? , Kyiv Independent, 05/17/2024
– ATACMS ‘Wreaks Havoc’ On Crimea; Reports Suggest Russian S-400 Radar, MiG-31 Aircraft Annihilated In Attacks, EurAsian Times, 05/17/2024
– Ukraine says Russia in less than a week hit it with 700 glide bombs, weapons that can really only be beaten by killing the planes, Yahoo News UK, 05/15/2024
– Updated: Russian attack on Kharkiv kills 3, injures 28, Kyiv Independent, 05/17/2024
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