By Girish Linganna
Apr 11: In the past few days, Western media have begun to recognize the formidable nature of Russia's FAB glide bombs. A Sunday article, citing a Ukraine-supporting analyst, noted that countermeasures against these bombs are essentially non-existent, as reported by Sputnik.
The impact of the FAB glide bombs in Ukraine has been significant, leading Western media to acknowledge their potency. These bombs have been a major challenge for Ukrainian frontline defenses, especially as they've become more frequently used.
Glide bombs are aerial weapons equipped with wings, allowing them to glide towards their target from a distance after being released from an aircraft, extending their reach and improving accuracy.
Mark Sleboda, an expert in security and international relations, commented on a show with Sputnik's Fault Lines on Wednesday, saying that the Western media is labeling this weapon as a game changer. He mentioned that he might actually share this viewpoint, stating that the weapon indeed has significantly altered the situation.
Soviet-era bombs have been upgraded with simple wing attachments and guidance systems, turning them into precision-guided munitions. These modified bombs were used effectively against the forces in Avdeyevka, resulting in a disorganized withdrawal from the strongly defended city.
Avdeyevka, also known as Avdiivka, is a city in eastern Ukraine, located just north of Donetsk, and has been a focal point of conflict in the Donetsk region.
Sleboda pointed out that the FABs are similar to American JDAMs but with enhanced precision and strength. They range from 250kg to 1,500kg, and soon, there will be massive 3,000kg versions. These hefty three-ton bombs can destroy a stronghold with a single strike.
Sleboda emphasized that it results in a vast, charred hollow in the earth.
JDAMS, or Joint Direct Attack Munitions, are guidance kits that transform unguided bombs into highly accurate, all-weather smart munitions. Equipped with GPS and inertial navigation systems, they're launched from aircraft, guiding bombs to targets with pinpoint accuracy. These kits significantly boost the effectiveness of air strikes, minimize collateral damage, and can be employed from a range of up to 15 nautical miles (approx 28 Kms) , depending on the launch altitude, allowing aircraft to remain outside of enemy air defenses. Developed and widely used by the United States, JDAMS have become a staple for modern air forces, enhancing the precision and flexibility of aerial bombardment.
The limited number of JDAMs provided to Ukraine haven't significantly impacted the conflict since the Ukrainian military faces challenges breaching Russian air defense systems. On the other hand, Russia has been actively deploying FABs, with over 500 used in recent days during the offensive on Avdeyevka.
Sleboda noted that effectively defending against FABs would require long-range air defense systems, which Kiev no longer possesses. While a Patriot missile system might be able to target the aircraft releasing the FABs, its effectiveness is uncertain, especially as FABs have seen improvements in range over the duration of the conflict.
Patriot missiles (Surface -Air-Missile Systems ) are advanced air defense systems used by the United States and its allies. They are designed to intercept incoming threats like aircraft and ballistic missiles, protecting skies over battlefields and strategic locations. They are a key component in modern military defense strategies.The missile system utilizes radar to detect and track targets, then launches interceptors capable of destroying them mid-air. It can reach altitudes over 24 kilometers and engage targets beyond 160 kilometers, offering protection against diverse aerial threats in various combat scenarios.The Patriot missile is launched vertically from a ground-based mobile platform, using a solid-fueled rocket to propel it towards its target.
Sleboda points out that the only effective countermeasures against these bombs are either to take down the planes releasing them or to have robust air defenses that can intercept them. However, Ukraine has depleted both its inherited Soviet and assorted Western-supplied air defenses, which is why these bombs are now making a significant impact. With Ukraine's air defense weakened, Russia can employ these bombs without opposition.
Sleboda further explained that Russia has a vast reserve of FABs sourced from Cold War-era arsenals, essentially providing them with an endless supply. He suggested that the use of these bombs will greatly speed up Russia's efforts to break down the fortified areas and urban strongholds established by the Ukrainian government.
(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)