Ukraine is currently testing its own glide bomb, which features a rocket propulsion system and deployable wings.
Prototype of Glide Bomb
This new munition could potentially reach targets up to 65 kilometers away. If Ukraine can establish local production, it may significantly enhance its response to Russia's ongoing bombing campaign and strike deeper into Russian territory, according to Hotnews.
Russian warplanes launch up to 100 glide bombs daily, targeting Ukrainian troops and cities. These KAB bombs, with a range of 40 kilometers and weighing around 3 tons, have been pivotal in advancing Russian forces in eastern Ukraine this year.
Recently, a video captured by a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet showed a Su-24 bomber carrying a prototype of the new glide bomb. This development indicates Ukraine's intent to diversify its munitions beyond the American-made JDAM-ER and French-made Hammer bombs.
General Serhii Holubotsov of the Ukrainian Air Force announced in June that the country is developing a new kit to convert outdated Soviet-era bombs into precision-guided munitions.
French Remblence
The new glide bomb closely resembles the French Hammer bomb, featuring wings and a solid-fuel rocket engine. Reports suggest that Ukraine may have modeled its design on the French weapon. The Hammer bomb, for instance, utilizes a similar propulsion method to achieve its effective range.
Despite being satisfied with the range and precision of the Hammer bomb, Ukrainian forces are frustrated by the limited supply from France, which has committed to delivering only 50 bombs per month.
This is inadequate when compared to the approximately 3,000 bombs Russia drops monthly along the front lines, even with the additional U.S. supplies.
Currently in the testing phase, Ukraine's glide bomb will require thorough evaluation before entering mass production.
If successful, it would join other domestically produced munitions like the Neptune cruise missile and various drone systems, allowing Ukraine to reduce its reliance on foreign military support and navigate restrictions imposed by allies regarding the use of foreign-made weaponry.
