The Russian Federation is poised to increase the range of its KAB bomb family to over 150 kilometers (93 miles), raising concerns about further threats to Ukrainian cities.
Dangerous for Fortifications
Military analyst Alexander Kowalenko warns that this enhancement could jeopardize not only Zaporizhzhia but also Poltava, Dnipro, and Odessa.
KAB bombs represent a significant weapon in the Russian military's arsenal, enabling effective strikes on large areas in Ukraine, according to WP.
They are particularly dangerous for targeting fortifications and critical infrastructure used by the Ukrainian armed forces. As such, any modernization of these munitions poses a substantial challenge for Ukraine.
Double the Range
Historically, KAB bombs were first deployed in the Ukraine conflict in 2022 near Bakhmut, where they were dropped from a height of 16 kilometers (10 miles) and achieved a range of 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
Currently, the operational range has exceeded 80 kilometers (50 miles), and experts anticipate that advancements could push this to over 100 kilometers (62 miles) by the end of 2024.
Kowalenko has highlighted the potential for Russian forces to install a jet engine on the KAB bombs, similar to the French Hammer or American JDAM systems. This upgrade would instantly expand their range beyond 150 kilometers, creating a direct threat to major Ukrainian cities.
Currently, Ukrainian defenses against KAB bombs are limited.
The primary strategy involves targeting the platforms from which these bombs are launched. KAB bombs come in various models, including the KAB-500L, which utilizes laser guidance for precision strikes, and the KAB-500Kr, equipped with a television guidance system for operation in poor visibility conditions.
