In 2025, Russia plans to produce 75,000 aerial bombs equipped with glide and correction modules, which turn a standard unguided bomb into a precision-guided munition with an extended range, Defense Express reports, citing a study by the British think tank RUSI.
Russian guided bombs, though not highly accurate, cause massive destruction and pose a significant threat to Ukrainian cities, with a few capable of leveling a five-story building. Ukrainian forces have been seeking ways to intercept them, including using ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft guns, but the most effective solution is targeting the carriers, which remains challenging.
For comparison, Russia’s production target for guided bombs last year was 50,000 units. The new number represents Moscow’s plans for a 50% increase in guided bombs production output.
“A 50% rise in guided bombs production means greater pressure on the positions of Ukrainian defenders at the front line,” Defense Express notes.
Analysts also highlight the growing battlefield threat posed by drones. Experts estimate that unmanned aerial vehicles now account for at least 70% of destroyed Russian targets. However, 60-80% of drones may fail during missions without achieving any results.
At the same time, Ukraine has recently become the first country to employ thousand-pound (454 kg) Mark 83 bombs adapted with JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range) guidance systems. The 1000′ bomb “might have been specifically produced for the Ukrainian Air Force,” say reports.
This development follows Ukraine’s successful integration of five-hundred-pound (226 kg) GBU-62 JDAM-ER guided bombs, which were first delivered in 2023.
Related:
- Reuters: US weapons shipments to Ukraine paused briefly before weekend restart
- Ukraine expects new F-16 delivery from Netherlands in 2025
- Ukrainian long-range drones now reusable and carry 250 kg bombs
- Forbes: Ukraine equips its old Su-25 attack jets with French glide bombs
- Ukraine lacks weapons for its F-16s against Russian Su-34 bombers, air expert says
