Ukrainian jets strike deep into Russia with US‑made bombs

The Ukrainian Air Force is deploying Su-27 fighters to carry out precision strikes on strategic targets in Russia, such as pontoon bridges and command points. These fighters are equipped with American GBU-39 bombs, which use GPS guidance to plan attacks from distances over 59 miles. Additionally, they conduct low-altitude flights. This tactic allows them to evade radar detection and increases the effective range of the bombs.

In rare footage, a Su-27 is seen dropping four bombs from one pylon, using a low-flight tactic with a sudden climb before releasing the bombs. This method enables them to evade Russian anti-aircraft defenses. Despite limited resources, the Ukrainian Air Force focuses on targeting costly objectives, utilizing about 10 to 12 bombs daily.

Ukrainian Su-27s, armed with GBU-39 bombs, employ low-altitude tactics to evade radar detection during precision attacks on strategic targets in Russia. These maneuvers allow the aircraft to remain out of enemy range while effectively destroying critical enemy positions. With GPS, the bombs can reach considerable distances, further enhancing operational safety.

The Su-27 aircraft captured in the footage is a fighter designed for achieving air superiority. Its history dates back to the 1970s, with its first flight occurring in 1977. Production of the Su-27 spanned from 1980 until 2019.

The Su-27 is powered by two Saturn Lyulka AL-31F engines, each producing more than 16,970 pounds of thrust. With a wingspan of 48 feet, a length of 71 feet, and a height of 18 feet, this structure, weighing nearly 36,376 pounds, can accelerate to Mach 1.3, or approximately 808 mph, at low altitudes and as high as Mach 2.3 (1,491 mph) at higher altitudes (maximum of 11.8 miles).

This aircraft's range exceeds 2,299 miles. It is equipped with a standard GSz-31-1 30 mm aircraft gun. Additionally, various guided missiles or, as seen in the footage, GBU-39 bombs can be mounted under the aircraft.