Unveiling the FAB‑1500: Russia's 'City Destroyer' Bomb Now Precision-Guided

False information about the first Russian attack using the powerful FAB-1500 bomb appeared online. We explain the capabilities of this weapon, which has unofficially earned the nickname "city destroyer."

As reported by the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, the first use by Russians of this powerful bomb on the frontline was attributed to an attack on soldiers stationed near the town of Velika Psarivka. In reality, the invaders had deployed this rare weapon earlier.

Already on February 17, 2024, Russians dropped bombs of this type on Ukrainian soldiers defending Chasiv Yar, with the first photos of the FAB-1500 featuring the UMPK module surfacing in mid-January 2024.

The FAB-1500 bombs, originating from World War II, boast a formidable destructive capability, with nearly 1,543 pounds out of the total 3,307 pounds of their weight consisting of TNT. For perspective, a standard 155 mm artillery shell contains up to 22 pounds of TNT. Essentially, no field fortification can withstand the explosion of such a powerful bomb, which due to its mass, penetrates deeply into the ground.

The FAB-1500 can obliterate vast areas - its detonation generates not only a massive fireball but also a shockwave front with incredibly high pressure. However, as these are free-falling bombs, the aircraft must release them directly over the target, risking interception by short-range air defense systems.

Recently, Russians have begun equipping these bombs with UMPK conversion kits (Unified Module Set for Planning and Correction), a mimic of the American JDAM-ER. This upgrade transforms the aged FAB-1500 into a gliding precision munition.

The modification involves adding a module that includes an inertial and satellite navigation system, along with foldable wings and control surfaces, enhancing the bomb's accuracy to about 33 feet from a launch distance of 43 miles.

Moreover, after being released from high altitudes, FAB-1500s accelerate to extremely high speeds, and their robust steel casing endures damage from typical anti-aircraft weapons with fragmentation warheads effectively. In practical terms, countering the aircraft before release is the most viable strategy. Medium-range systems like the Patriot or SAMP/T, which Ukraine possesses in larger numbers, and the S-300, now depleted of missiles, are adept for this task.

Due to the absence of these systems in the region, Russian forces captured Avdiivka. Before the assault, Putin's soldiers bombarded the positions of Ukrainian defenders.