Ukraine has copied a version of the Russian UMPK glide bomb; but the important question is, can they use it on the battlefield?
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•27/06/2025
The Bulgarian Military news site reported that Ukraine's defense industry "has developed a version of the guided glide bomb similar to the Russian UMPK glide bomb." Ukrainian media reported that the Ukrainian guided glide bomb is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 60 km. According to Ukrainian media, the glide bomb has been tested and has been successful, but funding is needed to speed up the development process. During testing, after the bomb leaves the underwing suspension, the glider flaps are opened, followed by the rudder control module, which steers the bomb to the target.
Ukraine has now received several batches of guided glide bombs from its Western partners, such as the French AASM Hammer. This is a glide bomb with an additional engine to increase range, the flight range when dropped under ideal conditions (the aircraft is at an altitude of 10 km, the speed when dropped is over Mach 1) is estimated to be 70 km. The Ukrainian Air Force also has a number of US GBU-39 glide bombs with 93 kg high explosive warheads that can penetrate concrete up to 1 meter thick. Ukrainian Su-27 heavy fighters are often used to drop these bombs over the front line. With the glider module, the FAB-500 bomb of the Ukrainian Air Force can attack targets from 60 km, with the possibility of upgrading to 80 km. This flight range allows the Su-24M attack bomber of the Ukrainian Air Force to operate beyond the range of Russian field air defense systems, such as the Buk-M2, which has a maximum range of only 60 km. Thus, with this new type of bomb, Ukrainian pilots can attack high-value tactical targets of the Russian army in the front line area, such as command posts, logistics warehouses, artillery positions with higher safety. The accuracy of the module makes it more effective in attacking fortified targets; at the same time, it reduces the risk to the aircraft and pilots, against the field anti-aircraft fire of the Russian army. Since Russia deployed the UMPK-equipped bomb in 2023, Ukraine has been facing the devastating Russian weaponry, and still remains safe. With the UMPK module, Ukraine can use its existing stock of Soviet-era FAB-500 bombs, enhancing its offensive arsenal.
The FAB bomb is equipped with the UMPK module, which allows the Ukrainian Air Force to attack from different altitudes and angles. This adaptability complicates the enemy's defense strategies. However, integrating the module requires pilot training and upgrading aircraft, airport infrastructure, etc., which is a difficult problem for Ukraine. However, the FAB bomb with the UMPK module cannot bring tactical advantages to Ukraine immediately; first of all, the number of Ukrainian fighter jets that can carry this type of glide bomb is not much, currently Ukraine only has a very small number of Su-27, MiG-29 or Su-24, but they are old and in combat conditions, so the quality is certainly not high. The FAB glide bomb, which uses this Ukrainian module, does not have an auxiliary engine like the French AASM Hammer bomb, so the aircraft cannot drop the FAB-500 bomb with the UMPK module at a low altitude of about 3,000 meters, as when dropping the AASM Hammer bomb. For the bomb to reach a range of 60 km, the Ukrainian fighter jet must fly at an altitude of 10 km. But if flying at this altitude, Ukrainian planes are very susceptible to being detected by Russian air defense radars and shot down by long-range surface-to-air missiles such as the S-400, S-300PMU; or long-range air-to-air missiles such as the R-77 or R-37M, on Su-35s patrolling the front line. It should be remembered that Ukrainian fighter jets, when providing support to the front lines, often have to fly very low to avoid detection, otherwise they will be immediately shot down by Russian ground and air defense fire. (Photo of Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet flying close to the roof of a house in Sumy).
In addition, the use of Ukraine's FAB-500 glide bombs, although not encountering a powerful battlefield air defense system, still faces a significant barrier in the form of Russian electronic warfare systems, which are capable of jamming GPS signals, threatening the module's navigation accuracy. To overcome Russia's electronic warfare systems, Ukraine plans to integrate French anti-jamming technology into its new glide bomb, although the deployment timeline remains unclear. (Photo of the UMPK module used for the Russian FAB-500 bomb). Production constraints, including limited production capacity and supply chain disruptions, have hampered efforts to scale up. Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, damaged by the conflict, has further complicated the mass production of the bomb. (Photo: Russian FAB-1500 UMPK glide bomb production line).
Modifying the FAB-500 requires skilled engineers and technicians and specialized equipment, which puts resources in a tight spot. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian developers aim to extend the bomb’s range to 80 kilometers, increasing its strategic value; allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory. (Photo: Russian FAB-1500 UMPK glide bomb production line). However, given Russia's countermeasures, especially its strong battlefield air defense capabilities, as well as Ukraine's difficulties with fighter aircraft, it is relatively difficult for Ukraine to put into use a domestic version of guided glide bombs; despite the optimism of Ukraine's leadership. (photo source Military Review, TASS, Ukrinform, Sputnik).
With the glider module, the FAB-500 bomb of the Ukrainian Air Force can attack targets from 60 km, with the possibility of upgrading to 80 km. This flight range allows the Su-24M attack bomber of the Ukrainian Air Force to operate beyond the range of Russian field air defense systems, such as the Buk-M2, which has a maximum range of only 60 km. 
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