Russia extends range of KAB bombs, threatens more Ukrainian cities
The Russian Federation may extend the range of its KAB bomb family to over 93 miles. If this happens, according to military analyst Aleksandr Kowalenko, not only Zaporizhzhia will be at risk of shelling, but also other cities in Ukraine, including Poltava, Dnipro, and Odessa.
6:52 AM EDT, September 30, 2024
Bombs are some of the most valuable weapons currently possessed by the Russian army. They allow the aggressor to effectively attack large areas of Ukrainian territory, primarily demolishing fortifications and other strategic military targets. Therefore, any modernization of these bombs by the Russians poses a significant challenge for Ukrainians.
The Russians may extend the range of KABs
This is also true for the KABs, whose range the Russians may soon extend. Military analyst Aleksandr Kowalenko discussed this scenario in an interview with the Kyiv24 channel. According to him, "Russia inherited tens of thousands of these bombs from the Soviet era and can afford to use as many as 3,000 bombs per month. What is particularly noteworthy is that it's nearly impossible to defend against the KABs—they cannot be countered because Ukrainians cannot target them."
Kowalenko notes that the Russians first used KABs during the war in Ukraine in 2022, around Bakhmut. At that time, a bomb was dropped from an altitude of 10 miles, covering a range of 19 miles. Currently, the flight range of these bombs exceeds 50 miles, and the expert does not rule out that by the end of 2024, the range will improve to over 62 miles.
However, if the Russian Federation manages to install a jet accelerator on the bomb (similar to the French Hammer or American JDAM), then KAB bombs will immediately achieve a range exceeding 93 miles, warns Kowalenko. "That's why it's a threat to Poltava, Dnipro, and even Odessa," the expert emphasizes. Ukrainians are trying to defend themselves against the threat posed by the KABs, but the only current method of combat is to eliminate the carriers of these bombs.
Guided aerial bombs
KAB bombs come in various versions adapted to specific operational needs. The most popular are the KAB-500L and the KAB-500Kr. The KAB-500L is a laser-guided bomb equipped with a 27N-type warhead, delivering attack precision within 23 feet.
In contrast, the KAB-500Kr is equipped with a television-guided warhead. Thanks to its flight correction capabilities and high sensor sensitivity, this version is often used in difficult weather conditions and at night. Both versions of KAB bombs are highly effective and destroy targets such as bunkers, bridges, or ammunition depots.
