Rising threat: Russia to ramp up bomb production by 2025
The British think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has published a new report on the current situation at the front in Ukraine. As noted by the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, the authors of the report state that Russia plans to produce as many as 75,000 bombs from the KAB family in 2025. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg, the report claims.
The RUSI document indicates that Russia plans to increase the production of guided bombs to 75,000 units in 2025. This is 50 percent more than in 2024, when they planned to produce 50,000 bombs.
Challenges for the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Defense Express notes that the increase in the production of guided bombs by Russia means increased pressure on Ukrainian positions. Currently, due to ongoing shelling, Ukrainian forces are unable to build fortifications closer than 4 miles from the front line. Additionally, Russian army drones pose a serious threat, forcing tanks and armored vehicles to be kept at least 2 miles from the front.
The role of drones and artillery
Analysts also highlight the issue of drones. They play a key role in reconnaissance, capable of operating at distances of 2 to 9 miles from the front line; however, their effectiveness depends on the commanders' skills. The RUSI report emphasizes that under favorable conditions, artillery, such as 155-mm BONUS shells, can be more effective than drones.
The report further highlights logistical problems related to ammunition delivery. Due to the dominance of drones, supplies are made in short "time windows," resulting in situational ammunition shortages. There is often a lack of propellant charges, which prevents firing, despite having a sufficient number of shells.
KAB series bombs
To clarify, the mentioned KAB series bombs, which the Russians want to increase production of, have been designed in various versions, differing in equipment and weight. They were developed as an extension of the FAB-500 model and have a wide range of applications in combat operations. One variant, the KAB-500L, is equipped with a laser-guidance system and contains approximately 990 pounds of explosives.
Thanks to their precision with an accuracy of up to 23 feet, they are effective in even the most demanding terrain. These bombs are compatible with aircraft such as the Su-24 and MiG-27. The drop process is based on prior target detection, allowing their use from altitudes ranging from 1,640 feet to 3 miles and at speeds from 342 mph to 684 mph. Further control of the bomb is accomplished through advanced electronic systems, which allow the pilot to bypass the need to track its trajectory after release—a method known as "drop and forget."
