Ukraine downs russian KAB bomb with 'experimental' weapon
For the first time, the Ukrainian armed forces have shot down a Russian KAB bomb near Zaporizhzhia, according to the Ukrainian agency Unian. This information comes from military correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko, who suggests the army used "experimental weapons."
The Ukrainian army successfully intercepted a Russian guided KAB bomb near Zaporizhzhia. This was reported by military correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko, citing sources within the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
Ukrainians' experimental weapon
"According to preliminary information, this is experimental weaponry," Tsaplienko wrote on Telegram. The Ukrainian agency Unian noted that this marks the first time the army has intercepted a KAB aviation bomb.
Previously, military expert Ihor Romanenko explained that Ukraine faces challenges in neutralizing Russian KABs. The F-16s Ukraine received are not capable of shooting down the bomb carriers. Therefore, Ukraine is focusing on ground attacks using drones.
The successful downing of a Russian KAB bomb by Ukrainian forces could represent a breakthrough in the conflict, showcasing Ukraine's ability to defend against advanced weaponry. Unian highlights that this event could impact the future course of the war.
Russia's KAB bombs
The KAB bomb family was developed in various versions, differing in equipment and weight. These designs, derived from the FAB-500 bomb, have versatile applications in combat. One variant, the KAB-500L, uses laser guidance and contains approximately 1,000 lbs of explosives.
With a precision within about 23 ft, these bombs are effective even in challenging terrain. They are compatible with aircraft such as the Su-24 and MiG-27. The drop procedure relies on prior target acquisition, allowing release from altitudes of 1,600 to 16,000 ft at speeds between 340 and 680 mph. The bomb's advanced electronic systems handle further actions, allowing the pilot to "drop and forget."
