The GLSDB bomb is a unique hybrid weapon (Photo: Saab).
Reuters Citing well-informed sources, Ukraine may soon receive a batch of long-range GLSDB bombs manufactured by Boeing, a weapon that can extend the range of attacks deep into Russian-controlled territory.
Politico said that small diameter bombs launched from the ground could begin to be delivered to the Ukrainian battlefield after January 31.
The GLSDB bomb is a small diameter bomb developed by the US Boeing Corporation and Sweden's Saab. Dubbed a "hybrid" weapon, the GLSDB bomb is made from a unique combination of traditional bombs and multiple rocket launchers.
Although it is a bomb, GLDRS is launched from the ground, specifically from the HIMARS multiple launch fire system or the M270 self-propelled gun and its variants.
Ukraine urgently needs GLDRS to increase the number of long-range missiles fired by HIMARS. Previously, the US had only sent Ukraine relatively few ATACMS missiles with a range of 160km.
If Ukraine has GLDRS, Kiev can attack deep into Russian-controlled territory, forcing Moscow to move its warehouse and logistics supply system out of this weapon's attack range. GLDRS has twice the range of conventional rockets that Ukraine is deploying from HIMARS, except ATACMS.
Information about US aid to GLSDB was announced early last year. This bomb is part of the US USAI program, meaning GLSDB will have to be produced in advance to be delivered to Ukraine, instead of taken directly from the US arsenal.
Tests of the newly built GLSDB bomb took place on January 16 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, according to the source.
The timing of weapon deliveries and deployments is kept secret to maintain the element of surprise on the front lines. A Pentagon spokesman declined to comment on the information Reuters provide. Boeing has not commented on this news.
Although GLSDB is not as powerful, cheaper, and smaller than ATACMS, they are weapons that suit Ukraine's wishes: Can disrupt Russia's offensive operations and create tactical advantages.
In addition, the GLSDB project providing aid to Ukraine has been paid, so this weapon can be handed over despite the US Congress being divided over future aid packages for Kiev.
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 small diameter bomb GBU-2 installed in an M39 rocket for launching from land. It has a length of 26m, a diameter of 3,9m and weighs about 0,24 kg.
When the engine raises it to enough height and reaches the required speed, the folded wings will open and allow GLSDB to glide to the target thanks to a semi-active laser probe.
