US long-range bombs headed to Ukraine as ATACMS supplies run out

(CLO) The US is preparing to continue providing long-range GLSDB (ground-launched small diameter bombs) to Ukraine after this weapon was upgraded to improve Russia's anti-jamming capabilities.

In recent weeks, 19 GLSDBs have been tested to evaluate the effectiveness of the new improvements. One of the main changes is to reinforce internal connections to increase the weapon's durability. A GLSDB battery is now ready in Europe and is expected to be deployed on the battlefield in the coming days.

The move comes as Ukraine is believed to have exhausted its stockpile of ATACMS missiles with a similar range.

Ground-launched small diameter bomb. Illustration: Saab

The GLSDB bombs were purchased under the administration of former President Joe Biden through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. The US spent nearly $33.2 billion to buy weapons and military equipment for Kiev from US and allied defense contractors.

The Trump administration agreed on Tuesday to restore military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after Kiev signaled its willingness to support Washington's proposed 30-day cease-fire with Moscow.

Last May, three sources familiar with the matter said Russia had used jamming measures to prevent many GLSDB missiles from hitting their targets. Over the past year, Ukraine has sought weapons with a longer range than the US-supplied GMLRS (69 km), in order to destroy Russian supply lines and troop concentrations.

To meet this need, Boeing proposed the GLSDB – a small winged glide bomb, combining a GBU-39 bomb with an M26 rocket engine, with a range of up to 161 km. This weapon is popular in the US military arsenal and is relatively low cost. However, Russia has succeeded in jamming the GLSDB's guidance system, which is designed to overcome obstacles such as mountains or enemy air defense systems.

The GLSDB, jointly produced by Boeing and SAAB AB, was developed before the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in 2022. Russia has used jamming tactics not only with the GLSDB but also with Ukrainian radios, drones and even Excalibur 155mm guided artillery shells, by transmitting a large amount of energy into the combat area to overload GPS signals.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, Kyiv Independent)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bom-tam-xa-cua-my-huong-den-ukraine-khi-nguon-cung-atacms-can-kiet-post338488.html