Russia has begun using Su-34 Fullback to launch FAB-3000 glide bombs, with a Su-34 bomber pilot asserting that Western air defense systems are defenseless against these new munitions.
On July 14, the Ministry unveiled video footage depicting the FAB-3000 bomb, a 3,000-kilogram aerial weapon, being attached to a Su-34 fighter jet and subsequently dropped on a target within the Ukrainian territory.
The Defense Ministry emphasized that the FAB-3000 possesses a “combat power that cannot be ignored.” The FAB-3000 is an older Soviet-era bomb that has been modernized with new guidance systems, allowing for precision strikes from considerable distances.
This upgrade has provided Russia with a significant tactical advantage, enabling their aircraft to deploy these bombs from such distances that Ukrainian air defenses often struggle to intercept the attacking jets.
On July 15, a Su-34 pilot asserted the superiority of Russian glide bombs over Western air defense systems. He said that Western defenses, such as the Patriot and Gepard systems, are ineffective against these glide bombs.
“As for today, the adversary cannot down our bombs. Neither Patriot nor Gepard can down glide bombs. They horrify them,” the pilot claimed.
The pilot further revealed that the FAB-3000 bomb equipped with a universal planning and correction module (UMPK) is estimated to have an accuracy of 10 meters.
Meanwhile, a defense industry source revealed that the FAB-3000 can engage targets from distances ranging between 50 and 60 kilometers. The source explained that the bomb follows a ballistic trajectory, with its range and accuracy being influenced by the release speed and altitude.
Russia has begun using Su-34 Fullback to launch FAB-3000 glide bombs, with a Su-34 bomber pilot asserting that Western air defense systems are defenseless against these new munitions.
On July 14, the Ministry unveiled video footage depicting the FAB-3000 bomb, a 3,000-kilogram… pic.twitter.com/mNFNYX1Ruv
— EurAsian Times (@THEEURASIATIMES) July 16, 2024
The FAB-3000’s substantial weight, combined with its advanced guidance systems, contributes to its precision, which is estimated at ten meters. The bomb carries 1,400 kilograms of TNT and incorporates a universal gliding and correction module (UMPK) that enhances its targeting capability.
The FAB-3000, a high-explosive free-fall bomb developed during the Soviet era, was initially designed to target large-scale structures such as industrial facilities, hydroelectric dams, and fortifications. Its renewed production since February this year reflects its strategic value in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Advantages Of Russian FAB-3000 Aerial Bomb
The Russian military uses a range of high-power aviation bombs, collectively referred to as FABs. FAB stands for “fugasnaya aviatsionnaya bomba (FAB),” which means Aerial Demolition Bomb, which is known as a General-Purpose (GP) bomb in the West.
These munitions, categorized by explosive power, include models like the FAB-250 and FAB-500. The FAB-3000 is noted for being one of the most powerful bombs in the Russian Air Force’s arsenal.
According to Russian expert Alexander Mikhailov, the FAB-3000 is intended to deliver significant damage to large military infrastructure. It is used against substantial targets such as facilities housing military personnel or ammunition, as well as enemy dugouts and underground communication networks. The aim is to inflict maximum damage on the defensive lines that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently establishing.
Mikhailov also mentioned that the FAB-3000, while highly effective, is not the most powerful bomb available. He highlighted the FAB-9000 as an even more potent bomb, which, to his knowledge, has not yet been deployed in the Ukrainian theater of operations.
This suggests that Russia may have additional advanced munitions that have yet to be revealed or utilized in the conflict.
The FAB-3000 is praised not only for its destructive capabilities but also for its cost-effectiveness. Producing FAB-3000 bombs, which are equipped with a Universal Planning and Correction Module (UMPK), is significantly faster and cheaper than producing missiles.
As a Russian pilot explained, the FAB-3000 relies on its wings to glide rather than having its own propulsion system. Its range depends on the altitude and speed at which it is dropped, allowing it to cover distances effectively. The bomb’s affordability and rapid production cycle make it a practical and impactful weapon in the ongoing conflict.
Rostec, a state corporation, has also announced plans to improve the FAB series further. On July 15, the corporation revealed that they are developing advanced versions of the UMPK, which will greatly enhance the range of various calibers of high-explosive bombs.
The improved FAB-3000 with these new smart modules continues to be utilized in the current special military operation, demonstrating Russia’s efforts to advance its aerial bomb technology.
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