Rising Threat: Russia‘s Use of Guided Air Bombs in Ukraine
In a worrying development, the Ukrainian Air Force has revealed that Russia has employed over 51,000 guided air bombs against Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began nearly three years ago. These weapons, equipped with wings and satellite navigation for enhanced precision and range, pose a significant threat and are notoriously difficult to intercept.
Given their lower cost compared to ballistic and cruise missiles, Russia frequently uses these guided bombs instead. Based on Soviet-era designs, they’ve been modernized with advanced technology to improve accuracy. Despite their relatively lower price, their destructive power is immense, capable of destroying heavily-fortified Ukrainian positions gradually being eroded in the eastern regions.
In 2024 alone, Russia has deployed around 40,000 of these guided bombs, according to Ukrainian army reports. These bombs are often targeted at frontline regions and areas bordering Russia. On Wednesday, a Russian aircraft launched two guided bombs at a residential area in the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 civilians and injuring 113 — the deadliest attack this year, Ukrainian authorities confirm. On Thursday, another guided bomb struck residential buildings in the southern city of Kherson, injuring at least six civilians.
Ukrainian authorities emphasize that the most effective way to counter guided bomb attacks is to destroy the aircraft deploying them and target the airfields they are based at.
Russia continues to utilize these weapons as part of its strategy to wear down Ukrainian defense lines while Ukrainian forces seek ways to mitigate their devastating impact. The increasing use of guided air bombs underscores the evolving nature of the conflict and the urgent need for innovative defense strategies.
