Russia is developing a long-range hybrid of an aerial bomb and an operational-tactical missile.
Work to create more effective and dangerous munitions is currently ongoing in Russia. For example, the Russian military-industrial complex is developing new versions of aerial bombs with an incredible range of up to 400 km. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR MOU).
Ukrainian military intelligence believes that the development of this type of conventional weapon (not one of mass destruction) will allow the Russian Aerospace Forces to carry out strikes without the use of missiles in the future, putting significantly more of Ukraine's territory at risk than it currently does. The Russians are attempting to achieve this range using rocket boosters, creating an inexpensive, long-range hybrid version of an aerial bomb and a tactical missile.
It should be noted that the current range of the D-30SN unified interservice glide bomb (UMPB) is 120-130 km. The development of a "super-long-range bomb" capable of flying 400 km is constrained by three key technological factors. First, the development of a low-cost, mass-producible booster (rocket engine) that can be quickly produced in large quantities and installed on existing aerial bombs. Second, the universal glide and correction module (UMPK) must have improved aerodynamics. Third, the guidance system requires refinement, as the onboard electronics accumulate more errors as the range increases, increasing the likelihood of target deviation.
If all this is resolved, Russia will receive an air-launched munition significantly superior to the American GLSDB. It could fill a niche between the ATACMS and the HIMARS/Iskander missile system and multiple launch rocket systems (Tornado, Uragan, and Smerch). For example, if such bombs were dropped over the Kursk or Belgorod regions of Russia, they would be able to reach Kremenchuk, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, and Kryvyi Rih, meaning central Ukraine would be under attack.
Information