The GLSDB bomb is a unique hybrid weapon (Photo: Saab).
Reuters quoted informed sources as saying that Ukraine may soon receive a batch of long-range GLSDB bombs produced by Boeing, a weapon that can extend the range of attacks deep into Russian-controlled territory.
Ground-launched small diameter bombs could begin arriving on the Ukrainian battlefield after January 31, Politico reported.
The GLSDB is a small diameter bomb developed by the US Boeing Corporation and Sweden's Saab. Dubbed a "hybrid" weapon, the GLSDB is a unique combination of a conventional bomb and a multiple rocket launcher.
Although it is a bomb, GLDRS is launched from the ground, specifically from the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system or the M270 self-propelled gun and variants.
Ukraine desperately needs GLDRS to increase the number of long-range missiles fired by HIMARS. Previously, the US had only sent Ukraine a relatively small number of ATACMS missiles with a range of 160km.
If Ukraine had GLDRS, Kiev could strike deep into Russian-controlled territory, forcing Moscow to move its warehouses and logistics out of range of the weapon. GLDRS has twice the range of conventional rockets that Ukraine deploys from HIMARS, minus ATACMS.
Information about the US aid to GLSDB was announced early last year. The bomb is part of the US USAI program, meaning that GLSDB will have to be produced in advance for delivery to Ukraine, instead of being taken directly from the US arsenal.
Tests of the newly developed GLSDB bomb took place on January 16 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, according to the source.
The timing of the weapons deliveries and deployments was kept secret to maintain the element of surprise on the front lines. A Pentagon spokesman declined to comment on the Reuters report. Boeing has not yet commented on the news.
The GLSDBs are not as powerful, cheaper, and smaller than the ATACMS, but they are weapons that fit Ukraine's needs: They can disrupt Russian offensive operations and create a tactical advantage.
Additionally, the GLSDB aid to Ukraine has been paid for, so the weapons can be delivered despite the US Congress being divided over future aid packages to Kiev.
The GLSDB combines the M26 rocket engine with the GBU-38 bomb, turning it into a precision-guided, ground-launched tactical rocket artillery.
GLSDB consists of two main components, of which the warhead is a GBU-39 small diameter bomb mounted in an M26 rocket for ground launch. It is 3.9m long, 0.24m in diameter and weighs about 272kg.
Once the engine lifts it to a sufficient altitude and speed, the folded wings unfold and allow the GLSDB to glide towards its target using a semi-active laser seeker.
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