Russia deploys advanced GLIDE BOMBS capable of striking targets over 90 miles away
By kevinhughes // 2025-10-21
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  • Russia has deployed the upgraded UMPB-5 glide bomb, carrying a 250-kilogram warhead (double its predecessor's payload) with reinforced casing and modified wings for extended range. First used in Ukraine's Sumy region, it allows deep strikes without exposing Russian aircraft to Ukrainian air defenses.
  • Russian Su-34 jets have reportedly struck targets over 90 miles away, far exceeding the standard 25- to 45-mile range of earlier glide bombs. Ukrainian officials confirm attacks but note interception difficulties due to the weapon's low, flat trajectory.
  • Unable to achieve air superiority, Russia has increasingly relied on mass-produced, low-cost glide bombs launched from safe distances. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed Russia now drops 160+ glide bombs daily, an 8x increase since spring 2023.
  • Traditional air defenses struggle against glide bombs, forcing Ukraine to rely on electronic warfare and preemptive strikes on Russian airfields. Russia's long-range capabilities and high attack volume make countermeasures increasingly difficult.
  • Russia's glide bomb advancements signal a long-term attrition strategy, with conflicts projected to extend beyond 2050. The international community faces growing calls for intervention as Ukraine struggles against Moscow's evolving, high-precision arsenal.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen a significant escalation in Russian military capabilities, particularly with the deployment of advanced glide bombs capable of striking targets from unprecedented distances. Reports from Ukrainian officials and military analysts confirm that Russia has begun testing and utilizing upgraded versions of these munitions, including the newly identified UMPB-5, which boasts extended range and destructive power. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia has introduced the UMPB-5 guided aerial bomb, a more powerful variant of the UMPB D-30SN glide munition first observed earlier this year. Spartak Borysenko, an official from the Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, stated: "The UMPB-5 is a new munition that the Russians began using about two months ago." He confirmed that the weapon was first employed in Ukraine’s Sumy region before being deployed in Kharkiv, marking its public debut in late July. The UMPB-5 reportedly carries a 250-kilogram (550-pound) warhead – more than double the payload of its predecessor – and features reinforced casing and modified wings for enhanced range. Borysenko noted that some of these bombs were launched from "over 100 kilometers (62 miles)" away, demonstrating Russia's increasing ability to strike deep behind Ukrainian lines without exposing its aircraft to anti-aircraft defenses. Earlier reports from Russian military Telegram channels, including Voyenny Obozrevatel ("Military Observer"), claimed that a Russian Su-34 fighter jet successfully struck the city of Nikolaev with a glide bomb traveling nearly 100 miles – far exceeding the typical 25 to 45-mile range of standard Russian glide munitions. Ukrainian officials confirmed the attack but noted no casualties, while acknowledging the difficulty in intercepting such long-range weapons. This development aligns with Russia's ongoing efforts to refine its glide bomb technology. The UMPB D-30SN, a precursor to the UMPB-5, was already known for its range of up to 56 miles, but the latest modifications suggest Moscow is rapidly pushing the boundaries of its aerial strike capabilities.

Russia's strategic shift toward standoff weapons like glide bombs

Russia's reliance on glide bombs has surged since its initial invasion in 2022, when it became clear that Ukrainian air defenses remained largely intact. Unable to achieve air superiority, Moscow pivoted toward cheap, mass-produced standoff weapons like glide bombs that allow its aircraft to strike from safer distances. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine defines glide bomb, also known as a gliding munition or glide weapon, as an unpowered, guided munition that uses lift to extend its range beyond what is possible with traditional ballistic projectiles. These weapons are designed to glide or "skip" along a low, flat trajectory toward their targets, utilizing wings and a tail control surface for stability and guidance. Glide bombs are typically launched from aircraft and can be equipped with various warheads, depending on the intended target and mission requirements. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in July that Russia was dropping more than 160 glide bombs per day, an eightfold increase from spring 2023. The primary workhorse of this campaign has been the UMPK (Universal Gliding and Correction Module), a retrofit kit that converts conventional gravity bombs into precision-guided munitions. Recent modifications, such as the UMPK-PD (Extended Range) and UMPK-D (Long-Range), have further expanded strike distances. Unofficial Russian sources claim an even more advanced variant, the UMPK-PDD, may be in development, though this remains unconfirmed. The introduction of these extended-range glide bombs presents a formidable challenge for Ukrainian forces. Traditional air defense systems struggle to intercept such munitions, forcing Ukraine to rely on electronic warfare and preemptive strikes against Russian airfields. However, the sheer volume of attacks—combined with Russia's ability to launch from deep within its own territory—makes countermeasures increasingly difficult. Moreover, Russia's glide bomb advancements are part of a broader strategy to sustain prolonged warfare. Moscow is preparing for conflicts extending well into 2050 and beyond, emphasizing long-range precision strikes and attrition warfare. The intensification of Russia's aerial bombardment underscores the growing humanitarian toll of the war. With no immediate military solution in sight, calls for a diplomatic resolution have grown louder. As Russia continues to refine its glide bomb technology,  the conflict risks further escalation. Watch this footage of Russia's glide bomb strike on Ukrainian Armed Forces positions in Novoselovka, Dnepropetrovsk Region. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com FDD.org Borna.news BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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