Russian forces may have tested an upgraded glide bomb able to hit targets as far as 150 kilometers, according to the military-focused Telegram channel Voyenny Obozrevatel. Standard Russian glide bombs are typically older gravity bombs fitted with aerodynamic kits to enhance precision and range, with most models reaching between 40 and 70 kilometers depending on weight and launch altitude. These weapons are considered cost-effective and highly destructive, allowing Russian aircraft to attack fortified Ukrainian frontline positions from relative safety.
The Telegram channel claimed that a strike on the city of Nikolaev on Tuesday employed a glide bomb that traveled between 120 and 150 kilometers before striking its target. Ukrainian military officials had earlier reported a glide bomb threat over Nikolaev and later confirmed that a Su-34 fighter jet had launched a munition from airspace above the Black Sea. Authorities said the type of weapon was still being identified and reported no casualties from the strike.
Previous reporting indicated that Russia has been developing an advanced glide bomb kit known as the UMPB D-30SN, which features redesigned wings to extend its range to between 100 and 120 kilometers. Field testing of this relatively compact system has reportedly been underway since at least May 2024. If confirmed, the strike over Nikolaev could suggest that Russian forces have made further upgrades to increase the reach of these weapons, potentially altering the dynamics of aerial operations in the ongoing conflict.
