Additional Coverage:
- Russia bragged that it dropped a 3-ton bomb on Ukraine. A video shows its huge size. (newsbreak.com)
Russia has recently released footage showing one of its Su-34 jets deploying a FAB-3000 glide bomb over a Ukrainian military site, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. In the video, a Russian pilot claimed that the sheer size of the bomb, weighing approximately 6,600 pounds or 3.3 tons, makes it nearly impossible for a target to withstand its impact. The video broadcasted the loading of the bomb onto the aircraft, followed by the bomb’s deployment and the subsequent explosion at the target location.
This method of attack involves updated yet older-style munitions equipped with modern guidance systems, enabling launches from distances that prevent the attacking aircraft from entering the defensive reach of Ukrainian forces. The use of these upgraded glide bombs has become increasingly frequent in the ongoing conflict, allowing Russia to strike from afar without significant risk to its aircraft.
Within a single week, from March 18 to March 24, Russia reportedly deployed 700 of these munitions against Ukraine, as stated by Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Recent footage indicated Russia’s escalated use of a three-ton version of these bombs, marking a significant increase in the payload of the munitions used.
Defense specialists suggest that Ukraine’s current defense against these threats involves either targeting the Russian aircraft before they can release the bombs or attacking these aircraft on their bases. However, constraints have been placed by the US on how Ukraine can use provided long-range military equipment, limiting Ukraine’s ability to strike Russian airfields deeply located inside Russia.
The challenge of intercepting these bombs mid-air is considerable due to their short travel time, low visibility to radar, and unpredictable flight patterns. Furthermore, Ukraine has expressed a shortage of adequate air defense systems to counter such threats effectively. In response, Ukraine is not only developing similar glide bombs but also seeking additional air defense support from international allies.