A few days ago, reports emerged about Russia restarting the production of the 3-ton (approximately 6614 pounds) FAB-3000 air bombs. Despite their destructive power, the bombs are not the central issue. Instead, the focus shifts to the aircraft designated to deploy them. So, what information do we have about these carriers?
Producing and deploying multi-tonnage bombs is not a novel concept. For instance, during World War II, the Allies dropped 5-ton (about 11023 pounds) Tallboy bombs and over 9-ton (about 19842 pounds) Grand Slam bombs, creating localized earthquakes. In contemporary warfare, heavy air bombs like the American 9-ton (about 19842 pounds) GBU-43/B MOAB (Mother of All Bombs) or the Russian 7-ton (about 15432 pounds) FOAB (Father of All Bombs) are utilized. Furthermore, the United States is developing a 12-ton (about 26456 pounds) GBU-57A/B MOP bomb, an even more massive weapon. So, why is the relatively lighter 3-ton Russian bomb FAB-3000 attracting significant attention?
Transforming an old bomb into a precision weapon
The FAB-3000 is a free-falling bomb, a simplistic weapon akin to many smaller bombs used globally. The claim that Russians are reviving weapons from Stalin's era holds some truth but overlooks that most of the unguided, conventional bombs in use today were developed decades ago, including the American Mk.82 bomb from the 1950s.
The use of free-falling bombs typically implies limited accuracy and necessitates the aircraft to fly directly over or close to the target, making it vulnerable to anti-aircraft defense. Consequently, both the Americans, with JDAM-ER conversion kits, and the Russians, through domestically developed but efficient UMPK kits, have converted free-falling bombs into guided glide bombs. This modification significantly enhances their capabilities and range while maintaining low costs.
A guidance system and aerodynamic enhancements allow these bombs to be released far from the target, necessitating the deployment of more advanced and scarce medium-range defense systems like the S-300, Patriot, or SAMP/T to intercept them. This adaptation is crucial, especially in contexts like Avdiivka, where Russian forces penetrated Ukrainian defenses with such tactics.
Which aircraft will deploy the FAB-3000?
If Russia is producing these bombs, it likely plans to use them. Analogous to lighter bombs, the FAB-3000 might also be equipped with a conversion kit, transforming it into a guided glide bomb. This raises the question: which Russian aircraft can carry a 3-ton bomb?
While technical data on payload capacity often seems straightforward, the critical detail is whether an aircraft possesses at least one attachment point that can handle 3 tons. Russian tactical aircraft like the Su-34 and Su-35, based on the Su-27 design, can theoretically carry maximum loads of 1500 kg (about 3307 pounds). However, the Su-34 can accommodate an external fuel tank PTB-3000, roughly equivalent to the bomb's weight. Similarly, the marine Su-33 can carry a 4.5-ton (about 9921 pounds) Moskit 3M80 anti-ship missile under its fuselage.
Nonetheless, equipping aircraft with such loads imposes limitations on maneuverability, making them easier targets. This applies even to agile fighters like the F-16 when fully loaded.
The Tu-22 bombers, particularly the upgraded Tu-22M3 version, represent a more capable delivery system for heavy bombs. These bombers, designed to counter American aircraft carriers, have been sparingly used in Ukraine due to their susceptibility to being shot down, despite their speed and heavy payload capacity.
The likely intention behind producing heavy bombs like the FAB-3000, for broader use in aircraft such as the Tu-22M3, is alarming. It suggests anticipating a diminished Ukrainian air defense capability, allowing these vulnerable bombers to operate with relative impunity.
