In addition to missiles, AFU is also provided with small diameter guided bombs – SDBs equipped on Soviet-era fighter aircraft.
In particular, US-made SDB is used to equip converted Mig-29 fighter aircraft. SDB carries a 93kg warhead, which can penetrate up to 90cm of reinforced concrete. SDB is equipped with an inertial navigation system with satellite correction. When released at an altitude of 10km, the SDB has a gliding range of up to 100km.
Small diameter guided bomb – SDB. Photo: Defense News
However, Ukrainian fighter jets often operate deep within the country’s territory and at low altitudes to reduce the risk of being intercepted by the Russian air defense system. Therefore, it is difficult to calculate the maximum range of this weapon.
Russian military experts assess that when dropped at an appropriate height in the Sumy region (Ukraine), the SDB can reach Kurchatov (Russia), where the Kursk nuclear power plant is located.
HARM anti-radiation missile
One of the first air-guided weapons AFU received from the US was the hypervelocity anti-radiation missile (HARM). Ukraine’s Mig-29 and Su-27 aircraft are equipped with these missiles to suppress and neutralize Russian air defense systems in war zones. The Ukrainian Air Force used a modified AGM-88D Block 6 missile, equipped with satellite navigation technology that allows precise attack on targets even with the radiation radar turned off. The range of HARM missiles is about 100km.
In early May 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defense informed that Ukraine tried to attack the Belgorod region with suicide UAVs and anti-radiation missiles.
AASM high precision guided bullet
France has provided Ukraine with high-precision air-to-ground ammunition Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM). This is actually a 250kg aviation bomb equipped with a guidance module installed in the nose and a rudder structure and engine in the tail. AASM’s operating range is about 70km with high accuracy thanks to combined inertial satellite positioning.
High-precision air-to-ground ammunition Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM). Photo: MilitaryRecon
In March 2024, Ukrainian Mig-29 aircraft were equipped with AASM. AFU plans to use this precision weapon on F-16 aircraft that will be received in the near future.
In addition to donated long-range weapons models, AFU is looking to purchase high-precision attack missiles. Forbes magazine reported that Ukraine wants to order US-made AGM-158 JASSM high-precision cruise missiles for F-16 aircraft. The firing range of JASSM, the version equipped with a 450kg warhead, is 370km.
Ukraine also hopes to receive the German-Swedish KEPD-150/350 TAURUS air-launched cruise missile for joint development, despite Berlin’s continued refusal. According to German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz, the Ukrainian army will not be able to program the TAURUS missile itself without German experts. However, Berlin announced it would not send troops to Ukraine due to concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia.
KEPD-150/350 TAURUS air-launched cruise missile. Photo: Defense News
“In my opinion, the transfer of a weapon with a range of 500km is a big problem. The transfer of such weapons is only reasonable if the country itself determines and sets specific goals,” German Prime Minister Olaf Scholz stated.
TUAN SON (summary)