Russia Allegedly Deploys Upgraded Gliding Bombs, Gains Air Superiority in Conflict with Ukraine

Reports indicate that Russia has achieved its first significant air superiority in the conflict, largely attributed to the extensive deployment of precision-guided munitions. Ukrainian authorities have expressed concerns about these bombs, highlighting them as a significant challenge for Ukrainian defense forces. Specifically, Russia’s use of the FAB-500 bombs equipped with the tailored UMPK system has been noted.

The initial images of this device surfaced online around May 2023, showcasing the Soviet-era air bomb FAB-500 equipped with an unidentified guidance system. Investigations by WNM into the weaponry suggested that this system likely represents a newly developed guidance and correction module. The concept of this module predates the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with various engineering groups and entities having developed their versions. This module, known as UMPK (Universal Module of Planning and Correction), is tailored specifically for the FAB-500 bomb, a relic of the Soviet Union and broadly distributed among various nations. Russia is reported to possess a significant stockpile of these antiquated “dumb” bombs, which have seen extensive use in the conflict with Ukraine. Since February, Russia has been deploying the FAB-500 with the UMPK module, a tactic believed to be a key factor behind recent strategic gains. Reports from the Russian side indicate the use of up to 250 guided bombs a day in February.

Beginning in January 2024, the Ministry of Defense of Russia has been actively showcasing FAB-500 bombs equipped with UMPK, utilizing its Telegram channel to distribute footage of Su-34 bombers deploying these munitions. The shared videos, purportedly capturing operations in the regions of Avdiivka, Krasnolimanskyy, and Kupyansk, highlight the ministry’s emphasis on the strategic use of these guided bombs. The latest video releases, dated March 8th and 10th, are specifically aimed at commemorating the effectiveness of Su-34 aircraft using FAB-500 bombs with UMPK in the Avdiivka and South Donetsk areas.

The Ministry of Defense has also referred to the FAB bombs by the names UMPK-500 or UMPK-250, indicating variations in their weights. It appears that the UMPK has become a key component of the Russian military’s strategy, as they are reportedly producing modules for various bombs and aerial weapons. The Telegram channel Aviahub, known for its focus on aircraft and particularly for sharing images of UMPK, recently posted a photo of a new UMPK equipped with a FAB-1500M54 bomb. These UMPK-equipped bombs have been recently inspected by the Russian Defense Minister Shoigu and are believed to be currently deployed in combat operations.

This bomb with new model of UMPK was presented to Shoigu at Tactical Missiles Corporation

Two FAB-1500 are shown in a video from the Ministry of Defense on January 8th. The video description indicated that FAB-500 with UMPK were shown. However, it’s clearly visible that the bombs shown are FAB-1500 with no gliding device.

The Russian military’s intensified promotion of specific munitions indicates that development of the gliding devices has been completed, and they are now relying heavily on this technology. Official footage of these munitions being deployed, along with a multitude of videos from pro-war sources showcasing the devastating impact of the FAB-1500 equipped with UMPK, is circulating widely online.

The images depict the FAB-1500 equipped with both an older version of the UMPK and the latest model, recently unveiled by Tactical Missiles Corporation. Both bombs appear to be mounted on aircraft, primed for deployment.

It appears Russia has recognized the value of retrofitting its older arsenal with modern gliding technology. This realization leads to the expectation that larger and more lethal bombs could be transformed into precision-guided munitions. Discussions online are speculating about the potential conversion of FAB-3000 and FAB-5000 bombs into gliding variants.