A deadly airstrike on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, on January 8, 2025, has highlighted the ongoing threat posed by Russian glide bombs. The attack resulted in 13 fatalities and 122 injuries, marking the deadliest Russian assault on Ukraine in almost two years. Despite Ukraine’s advanced Western-supplied air defence systems, these relatively primitive weapons are still proving difficult to counter, leading to increasing civilian casualties.
Glide bombs, which originated in World War II and were later refined during conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, are now a significant threat in the ongoing war. These bombs are modified to include wings and often a satellite navigation system, enabling them to glide toward their targets from a distance, unlike traditional bombs that fall directly from an aircraft. The Russian Air Force employs both older Soviet-era FAB bombs and more modern variants, such as the FAB-3000, which is particularly devastating due to its size and explosive power.
Russia has ramped up its use of glide bombs, with reports suggesting that hundreds are being launched weekly. The weapons are particularly effective against static targets, such as bridges, bunkers, and command posts. However, Russia has also targeted Ukrainian cities with these bombs, causing widespread devastation and suffering among civilians. The increase in fatalities and injuries from glide bomb attacks has been significant, with 360 civilians killed in 2024, marking a threefold rise from the previous year.
The glide bombs are hard to intercept. Their lack of propulsion means they don’t generate the heat signature required for interception by infrared-guided missiles. Additionally, anti-aircraft guns, such as the German-made Gepard, are of limited use due to their short range. Even advanced systems like the U.S.-supplied Patriot missile defence system struggle to cover the vast distances required to protect Ukraine’s cities.
While Russia continues to evolve its glide bomb technology, increasing the range and accuracy of the weapons, Ukraine is struggling to respond effectively. Ukrainian military experts suggest that the best course of action is to target the Russian aircraft launching these bombs, as well as the facilities where the bombs are produced and stored. However, given the volume of glide bombs being used, this may not be enough to halt the onslaught.
Ukraine’s allies, including the U.S. and European nations, are being urged to provide additional support, including long-range fighter aircraft like the F-16, which can take on Russian jets from a safe distance. Additionally, Ukraine’s long-range drone strike campaign has seen some success in targeting Russian bomb storage sites, but the problem remains persistent.
In the long term, experts suggest that directed-energy weapons, such as lasers, may offer a more cost-effective solution to counter aerial threats like glide bombs. However, these technologies are still in development, and their widespread deployment is not expected for several years. In the meantime, Ukraine remains vulnerable to Russia’s continued use of glide bombs, with more and more cities at risk of becoming targets.
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