Will Russia’s Latest Weapon Delay Kiev’s Counteroffensive?

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Not only Russian jammers weaken the effectiveness of the Ukrainian armed forces. So-called slide bombs are giving military strategists in Kiev more and more headaches. These latest weapons from Russia appear to be changing the course of the war. Glide bombs seem so effective that they could force Kiev to reconsider its plans for the planned spring offensive. “Our air defense is inefficient against the bombs,” the military magazine “Military Watch” quoted Yurii Ihnat, 45, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force as saying.

Glide bombs are equipped with “wings” that give them greater range. The type of bomb developed by the Germans as early as World War II can fly at low altitudes and far enough to evade radar-controlled anti-aircraft systems. According to Air Force Colonel Ihnat, these bombs pose a “very serious threat” to Ukraine.

Russia has been using slidebombs extensively for about a month — at least 20 a day, Ihnat told Britain’s newspaper The Telegraph. The slide missiles may be the reason why Kiev has to postpone its offensive plans. The winged bombs are cheaper and easier to manufacture than high-tech precision munitions such as ballistic missiles and cruise missiles – and apparently very efficient to use.

“These bombs are a problem”

With a range of about 70 kilometers, the bombs enable Russian fighter pilots to deploy their air force even more effectively. Ground targets can be wiped out without Russian fighter jets coming within range of Ukrainian air defenses. Russian fighter jets can launch glider bombs without flying risky missions near the front lines.

“Sometimes we can intercept surface-to-air missiles, even long-range missiles,” says Colonel Ihnat. “But these glide bombs are a problem.” Due to their small size, the low-flying bombs are more difficult to detect by radar systems than conventional long-range weapons.

The Russians also use electronic jammers and anti-radar technology. Ukraine’s air defenses have only a short chance of targeting the bombs – if the missiles can be detected at all. (kes)

Source: Blick