Why does Ukraine expect KAB glide bombs to neutralize Russian attacks?

Ukraine is trying to perfect its own domestically developed glide bomb after seeing firsthand the power of Russian bombs on the battlefield.

On June 25, 2025, Ukraine announced a significant step forward in its defense technology, unveiling a glide module for the former Soviet-era FAB-500 bomb. Photo: @Defense Express.

This is because, for decades, Ukraine has been using stockpiles from the former Soviet Union, but these bombs previously lacked accuracy, requiring aircraft to fly dangerously close to their targets, so this has now forced Ukraine to make a change. Photo: @The Independent.

Posts on X reveal that KB Medoid, a Ukrainian defense contractor, designed the FAB-500 Glide Module to compete with Russia's Unified Guidance and Lifting Wing (UMPK) for glide bombs. Photo: @Defense Express.

Ukraine’s FAB-500 glide module, which converts unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons, is very similar to Russia’s UMPK modular system. Engineers attach foldable wings and a guidance unit to the 500kg FAB-500 bomb, allowing it to strike from 60km, with the option to upgrade to 80km. Photo: @Defense Express.

The KAB glide bomb is strategically important for Ukraine. First, it enhances Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range strikes, allowing its air force to target Russian positions, airfields, and infrastructure from a safer distance. This is especially important given the extended range of Russian glide bombs, which now threaten Ukrainian cities like Kharkiv, Zaporizhzia, and Kramatorsk. Photo: @Defense Express.

KABs help Ukraine reduce its dependence on Western ammunition, which is often subject to supply constraints and political constraints. This is especially true in the context of the recent Israel-Iran conflict. The US has diverted key weapons from the Ukrainian front to the Middle East. The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and JDAM-ER guided bombs that Ukraine uses to strike deep inside Russia are tightly controlled by the US because Washington is running out of supplies and needs to ensure the secrecy of these systems. Photo: @Defense Express.

The KAB complements Ukraine’s recent advances in electronic warfare (EW). Kiev is said to have used the Lima Jammer digital jammer to disable Russian glide bombs by interfering with their GLONASS satellite navigation system. Reports say the Ukrainian jammers have reduced the accuracy of Russian glide bombs, forcing the Kremlin to use up to 16 bombs to hit a single target. Photo: @Defense Express.

By combining electronic warfare with indigenous glide bombs, Ukraine can create a synergistic effect: jamming Russian bombs to protect its forces, while deploying KABs to attack Russian positions, leveling the strategic playing field. Photo: @Defense Express.

Engineers involved in the Ukrainian glide bomb project said the new glide bomb is in the testing phase but need more funding to speed up production. Earlier, some Ukrainian media channels posted videos showing the country's Su-24 aircraft dropping glide bombs converted from conventional bombs. Experts noted that the developers modeled the new bomb on a Russian design. However, the internal components have been redesigned to improve targeting accuracy. Photo: @Defense Express.

Despite expectations, Ukraine’s KAB development program faces significant challenges. First, Kiev is short of funding and has limited production capacity. Medoid, the company that produces the glide bomb for Ukraine, has launched a fundraising campaign to scale up development and mass production. Photo: @ Army Recognition.

Producing 100 glide bombs a day would require significant investment in Ukraine’s manufacturing infrastructure, which could strain an economy already weakened by conflict. Each bomb is estimated to cost $25,000, so Kiev cannot increase production without outside support. Photo: @Defense Express.

Operationally, the effectiveness of the KAB depends on the ability to protect the aircraft and integrate the system into Ukraine's air force. Russian air defense systems, including the S-400, pose a significant threat to the Su-24 and other Ukrainian fighters, requiring Kiev to have robust electronic countermeasures and tactical improvements. Photo: @Известия.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/vi-sao-ukraine-ky-vong-bom-luon-kab-hoa-giai-cac-cuoc-tan-cong-cua-nga-post1550779.html