Russia’s Glide Bomb Surge: A New Threat to Ukraine
Russia is ramping up production of 120,000 glide bombs—a weapon Ukrainian intelligence calls “cheap and devastating”—in a bid to escalate attacks on Ukraine. Defense experts warn these precision-guided munitions could shift the war’s dynamics, overwhelming Ukrainian defenses.
What Are Glide Bombs?
Glide bombs are modified conventional bombs equipped with wings and guidance systems. Launched from aircraft at a safe distance, they can travel dozens of kilometers with pinpoint accuracy. Their affordability and destructive power make them ideal for prolonged warfare.
Ukraine reports Russia’s mass production aims to flood its air defenses. A military spokesperson said, “These bombs let Russian jets strike deep into our territory without facing our air defenses.”
Why Glide Bombs Are a Major Threat
- Low Cost, High Impact – Far cheaper than missiles but equally destructive, enabling Russia to sustain relentless bombing.
- Extended Strike Range – Pilots avoid Ukrainian air defenses while hitting critical infrastructure and frontline positions.
- Upgraded Soviet-Era Stockpiles – Russia converts old bombs into guided munitions, boosting lethality without new production lines.
Ukraine’s Western-supplied Patriot systems have intercepted some, but experts fear 120,000 bombs could overwhelm defenses.
Ukraine’s Plea for Help and Global Alarms
President Zelensky urgently seeks more air defenses, including F-16s, to target Russian bombers preemptively. “Delays in aid cost lives,” he stressed.
NATO and U.S. officials warn mass glide bomb use could stall Ukraine’s counteroffensives. A Pentagon source noted, “This strategy could lock Ukraine into a defensive war.”
Broader Risks: Global Proliferation and Adaptability
Beyond Ukraine, analysts fear Russia may export these weapons, escalating conflicts worldwide. The move also highlights Moscow’s ability to modernize old arsenals quickly.
Can Ukraine Stop the Glide Bomb Onslaught?
With Western aid delays, Ukraine is developing countermeasures like electronic jamming. The critical question: Will allies act fast enough to prevent Russia from gaining an unbeatable edge?
As the war drags on, Kyiv races to shield its skies while Moscow bets on brutal, cost-effective destruction.
