In recent developments, Russia has been using powerful glide bombs to attack Ukraine. According to military expert Hans Petter Midttun, the Russian Air Force has increased its use of these weapons, with 40 of them being used against military and civilian targets in one region in Ukraine on the night of October 2nd. These glide bombs, known as UPAB-1500 and FAB-500, were first employed in early March and have since been used in increasing numbers.
To create these weapons, Russia has equipped old Soviet bombs, such as the FAB-500, with a satellite guidance system and wings. They are then fired from fighter jets like the Su-34 and Su-35. The glide bombs have a longer range, reaching targets up to 30 to 45 miles away, and are more precise than freefall versions. Some of these bombs can weigh as much as 3,300 pounds, causing substantial damage upon impact.
Oleksiy Melnyk, from the Kyiv-based think tank Razumkov Centre, has expressed concerns about the impact of these bombs on Ukraine. He stated that the country is facing a ruthless enemy, especially when it comes to collateral damage. The bombs have caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, leading to civilian casualties. This has had a profound psychological effect on the population.
Soldiers on the frontlines have also reported the devastating impact of these guided bombs. According to Zahar, a soldier in a mortar unit, the bombs create craters large enough to bury a tank or four cars, wreaking havoc on Ukrainian forces.
The use of these powerful glide bombs by Russia in the conflict with Ukraine raises concerns about the escalation of violence and the impact on civilians. The precision and destructive power of these weapons have intensified the conflict, resulting in substantial damage and loss of life. As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to monitor the ongoing impact of these attacks and their implications for the region.