Russian glide bombs pose a significant threat to Ukrainian forces

A video has surfaced on the internet showing the use of a Russian RBK-500 bomb equipped with a UMPK module. These bombs, with their cluster warheads, can target large areas. We present their performance.

This video showcases a Russian glide bomb designed for area-targeting, based on RBK-500 bombs enhanced with the UMPK module (Unified Module Kit for Planning and Correction).

This gives new life to an old solution from the 1980s, which would be suicidal for Russian pilots to use under current conditions. They pose a huge problem for Ukrainians due to their area-targeting nature.

RBK-500 bombs weigh around 1,100 lbs and contain a cluster warhead banned by many countries worldwide. Depending on the version, they house hundreds of bomblets. An example payload includes 126 bomblets of types AO-2.5RT, OAB-2.5RT, OFAB-50UD, or OFAB-2.5 intended to combat enemy forces. For AO-2.5RT bomblets weighing slightly over 4 lbs, the fragment range is about 98 ft for soldiers in the open field or 33 ft for those hidden in trenches.

The second payload includes 268 anti-tank PTAB-1M bomblets weighing less than 2 lbs. They can penetrate about 8 inches of armored steel and destroy a wide range of armored equipment. However, this is a single-warhead solution, so a net or cage over the vehicle provides protection.

There are also dual-purpose variants similar to the American DPICM, dedicated to destroying fortifications BetAB-M, igniting ZAB-2.5, or self-guiding SPBE-D bomblets with an infrared head in the latest versions.

UMPK modules are a Russian copy of the American JDAM-ER solution, which has proven highly effective in Ukraine. UMPK modules include a section with a guidance system based on satellite and inertial navigation, and a part with folding wings and control surfaces.

Because of this, when released from an altitude of over 33,000 ft, the bombs can glide for even tens of miles and hit the target with an accuracy of within tens of feet. The best way to stop them is to shoot down the aircraft carrying them before it releases them.

Due to the long gliding range, the bombs can be dropped outside the range of most anti-aircraft defense systems. Only medium-range solutions like the S-300, Patriot, or SAMP/T are effective, but Ukrainians have too few of these or have run out of missiles for them.