Russian bombers deploy "city destroyer" on Ukrainian positions

Many of the details provided by Russian media or government representatives are elements of propaganda. Such reports are part of the informational war waged by the Russian Federation.

On television, the Russians showcased a recording of the preparation and execution of an attack on Ukrainians using the formidable FAB-3000 guided bomb carried by the tactical bomber Su-34. This confirms suspicions that these aircraft can carry such massive bombs.

The FAB-3000 bomb, designed initially during World War II, has gained a "second life" by adding modules inspired by the American JDAM-ER.

Thanks to these UMPK (Unified Planning and Correction Module) modules, this otherwise ineffective free-falling bomb has become a potent weapon capable of destroying any field fortification or entire neighborhoods, hence its nickname, the "city destroyer."

The bomb seen in the recording, still glistening, appears to be from a newly resumed production line. The Su-34 can carry such a bomb on the central tower located between the engines.

The FAB-3000 bomb weighs three metric tons (over 6,600 pounds), with slightly more than half its weight consisting of an explosive charge encased in thick cast steel, which generates shrapnel during the explosion. According to the Russians, the fireball from the explosion has a diameter of 164 feet, and the shockwave causes damage even several hundred meters (yards) away. The bomb's fragments can strike targets over 0.6 miles away.

Even if the commercial satellite navigation module causes a miss by 98 feet, there is still little left of the target. The UMPK modules include foldable wings, which, when dropped from high altitude, give the bomb a range of several dozen kilometers (miles), ensuring the dropping aircraft is out of range of most air defense systems.

The exceptions are medium-range solutions like S-300, Patriot, or SAMP/T, for which Ukraine has either run out of missiles or has too few batteries in stock. These systems can engage aircraft carrying bombs at distances exceeding 62 miles.

Combating FAB bomb carriers is the most effective way of defense because FAB bombs, due to their thick casing, are pretty resistant to fragmentary warheads of anti-aircraft missiles. The only help might come from Gepard or Skynex, which are loaded with anti-tank ammunition, though they have minimal time to react.