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Air Power Redefined: Ukraine’s Use of AASM Glide Bombs Marks New Combat Era

Daniel Kim Views  

Video provided by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense

Ukraine’s military, facing tough odds against Russian forces, has made headlines recently with its counterattacks, even capturing portions of Russian territory. A key part of this push has been its airpower, highlighted by footage of Ukrainian Air Force Su-24 bombers in action. In one dramatic video, a Su-24 unleashes a volley of glide bombs, which strike their targets with pinpoint precision.

AASM Glide Bomb: A Game-Changer for Ukraine

A particularly notable weapon in the footage is the AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) glide bomb, a modular air-to-ground system. Unlike traditional bombs, glide bombs don’t rely on propulsion. Instead, they use wings for lift, allowing them to glide towards their targets. This winged design not only extends the bomb’s range but also enables it to fly low and evade radar, making it a critical asset in the Ukrainian arsenal.

The AASM, developed by French defense contractor Safran, is similar to the U.S. GPS-guided JDAM bomb. It significantly enhances the range of conventional bombs and allows for low-altitude release, improving the survivability of Ukrainian aircraft in hostile airspace. The AASM’s versatility comes from its various kits, which include infrared or laser-guided versions, and its ability to be mounted on fighter jets like the F-16.

Destructive Power and Precision

With a 2,000-pound warhead, the AASM’s destructive potential is formidable. When equipped with a BLU-109 penetrator, it can function as a bunker buster—designed to destroy deeply buried targets. The bomb’s front features directional control, while its rear has folding wings for improved maneuverability. Its precision is impressive, with GPS-guided accuracy of 8-10 meters, while laser-guided versions can hit within 1-3 meters. The latest Block 4 version extends its range to 50 to 70 kilometers thanks to a rear rocket motor.

The AASM’s ability to strike targets in blind spots is a game-changer. Its rocket motor gives it the power to ascend after being dropped from low altitudes. At the same time, its steep attack angle allows it to hit targets vertically—making it even harder to defend against.

Video provided by the pro-Russian Telegram channel ‘FighterBomber’

The Threat of Russian Glide Bombs

Video provided by the pro-Russian Telegram channel ‘FighterBomber’ highlights the ongoing threat posed by glide bombs in the conflict. As the war between Ukraine and Russia drags on, glide bombs have become a significant concern for Ukraine, mainly due to Russia’s use of these powerful weapons. Russian glide bombs have delivered some of the most devastating strikes against Ukrainian forces. Reports indicate that these weapons were pivotal in Russia’s complete capture of the strategic battleground of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine.

In June, the pro-Russian Telegram channel FighterBomber released video footage of a massive 3,000 kg FAB-3000 M54 glide bomb, also referred to as the “super bomb,” being dropped from a Russian bomber. The footage captured the moment a three-story building was obliterated in a fiery explosion. The FAB-3000, a 3-ton bomb, is designed to destroy urban structures and port facilities.

Upgrades to Russian Glide Bombs

The most frequently deployed glide bomb by Russia in the ongoing conflict is the Soviet-era FAB-500. The Russian military has upgraded this bomb with wings, extending its range to 70 kilometers. Meanwhile, reports suggest that production has ramped up for its larger glide bomb, the FAB-1500, which weighs about 1.5 tons and carries a devastating warhead that makes up nearly one-third of its total weight. Typically dropped from fighter jets at a range of 60-70 kilometers, these bombs are difficult for Ukraine’s air defense systems to detect, let alone intercept.

Recent Russian upgrades have extended these bombs’ range even further, with some glide bombs reportedly capable of gliding over 100 kilometers from the launch point. Su-34 and Su-35 jets drop these bombs from altitudes well beyond the reach of Ukrainian defenses, making them an even greater threat. Some versions are now reported to have a striking range of 120 kilometers with an accuracy of hitting within 10 meters.

Destructive Potential of FAB-1500 and FAB-3000

The FAB-1500’s destructive radius is around 500 meters. It is capable of demolishing bunkers up to 20 meters underground and penetrating 3 meters of reinforced concrete. Based on this, the larger FAB-3000 is believed to have even more devastating potential. According to Ukrainian estimates, the Russian Air Force is dropping at least 20 glide bombs daily, further intensifying the threat posed by these high-precision, high-impact weapons.

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

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