Ukraine Develops Rival to Russian Glide Bombs

Why this is here: Russian forces reportedly launch up to 800 glide bombs each week, demonstrating the scale of their aerial offensive.

Ukrainian defense officials recently unveiled a domestically produced glide bomb. For over a year, Russian forces have used glide bombs—KABs—to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses with devastating, seemingly endless attacks. These bombs, modified from existing stocks with wings and satellite guidance, allowed Russian aircraft to strike from 40 to 70 kilometers away, beyond the reach of many Ukrainian air defenses.

The KABs proved crucial in capturing heavily fortified Ukrainian locations like Avdiivka and pressuring cities such as Chasiv Yar and Pokrovsk. While less precise than Western missiles, Russia compensated with sheer volume, sometimes launching up to 800 per week. Ukraine’s new bomb features a 250 kg warhead, wings, and a guidance module, making it comparable to Western models like JDAM-ER or AASM Hammer.

Unlike Russia’s largely unpowered gliders, Ukraine’s version incorporates a small rocket booster for added speed and range—estimated at 65 to 80 kilometers—and allows for lower launch altitudes. However, Russia maintains a considerable advantage in the sheer number of bombs available from Soviet-era stockpiles.

Ukrainian production will initially reach several dozen units per month. The development of this weapon continues.