Ukrainian airstrike dismantles Russian fortress using precision bombs

 

Although the front north of Kharkiv has been relatively quiet for the past few weeks, it does not mean that military actions have ceased altogether. Even in quieter periods, both sides remain active in tactical engagements, probing each other’s defenses and making strategic decisions. 

One recent operation by Ukrainian forces highlights how even seemingly calm sectors can become critical battlegrounds. In this case, the Ukrainians conducted a targeted strike against Russian forces occupying a fortified position near Vovchansk, a town close to the Russian border.

The Russians had turned an old museum in the Vovchansk area into a makeshift fortress, a tactic that has been seen repeatedly in the conflict. Using existing infrastructure to fortify their positions, they leveraged the building's historical sturdiness to create a defensive stronghold. 

The building's robust construction made it an effective defensive structure, providing the Russian forces with a relatively safe base of operations from which they could resist Ukrainian advances. However, this stronghold soon became a significant obstacle for Ukrainian troops in the region.

Recognizing the difficulty of dislodging the entrenched Russian forces in such a fortified position, the Ukrainian military decided to employ a rare and powerful weapon in their arsenal—a MiG-29 fighter jet equipped with precision-guided bombs. Specifically, the aircraft was loaded with four GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs). These glide bombs are known for their accuracy and ability to strike fortified targets from a significant distance, minimizing the exposure of the aircraft to enemy air defenses.

The GBU-39 SDB is a modern, precision-guided munition designed to hit targets with pinpoint accuracy. It is particularly effective against entrenched or fortified positions, as its precision guidance system allows it to glide over long distances and hit the target with minimal collateral damage. In the case of the Vovchansk museum-turned-fortress, the Ukrainians knew that conventional artillery or ground assaults would be too costly and risky. The decision to use the SDBs was a strategic one, aiming to neutralize the Russian stronghold with minimal risk to Ukrainian troops and equipment.

The attack was successful, with the bombs accurately hitting their intended target. The destruction of the fortress significantly weakened the Russian defensive position in the area, enabling Ukrainian forces to regain some tactical advantages in the region. The use of such advanced weaponry demonstrates the evolving nature of the conflict and the level of sophistication both sides are bringing to their military operations. It also underscores the challenges of urban and fortified warfare, where traditional tactics may not be sufficient to overcome well-prepared defensive positions.

While the front near Kharkiv remains quieter compared to other hotspots like Bakhmut or Zaporizhzhia, operations like the one at Vovchansk remind us that every sector of the battlefield is dynamic. Even in areas where large-scale offensives may not be happening, both Ukrainian and Russian forces are constantly seeking opportunities to gain the upper hand. This strike serves as a testament to the ongoing, albeit sometimes less visible, military actions that continue to shape the course of the war.

GBU-39 SDB plus BRU-61/A - "bomb four-pack"

The Ukrainian Air Force, primarily composed of aging MiG-29 aircraft, has been severely depleted due to the ongoing war. Many of these jets have sustained damage or been lost in combat, and the Air Force relies heavily on spare parts provided by Poland and Slovakia to keep the remaining fleet operational. Despite these challenges, Ukraine has managed to effectively utilize what remains of its air force, including the MiG-29, to launch strategic attacks against Russian forces.

One of the recent operations involved a MiG-29 equipped with a "bomb four-pack," a configuration made possible by the BRU-61/A launcher. This launcher allows a single pylon to carry up to four GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs).

 The MiG-29 has four underwing pylons capable of carrying loads of up to 1,300 pounds each, such as the 1,100-pound aerial bombs typically used in combat. This allows the aircraft to mount the BRU-61/A launcher, which, along with the four GBU-39 SDBs, weighs just over 1,300 pounds. In theory, a MiG-29 could carry up to 16 SDBs, significantly increasing its striking capacity compared to just carrying four conventional bombs.

The GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), introduced into the U.S. Air Force in 2006, is a highly advanced weapon designed for precision targeting. Despite weighing only 268 pounds, with a 205-pound warhead, these bombs are remarkably effective due to their accuracy. The SDB can strike targets with a precision of up to one meter, making them highly efficient for hitting fortified or concealed targets.

 The bomb can either detonate in mid-air, scattering lethal shrapnel over a wide area, or it can penetrate a structure and explode after a delay, maximizing its impact. According to Boeing, the SDB can pierce up to 35 inches of reinforced concrete, a feat that conventional artillery shells often struggle to achieve. This makes it an ideal weapon for attacking hardened positions, such as bunkers or fortified buildings, as well as reinforced hangars on airbases.

The guidance system of the GBU-39 SDB is based on a combination of satellite and inertial navigation. There is also a variant, the GBU-39/B, which includes laser guidance, allowing for even greater accuracy, especially in situations where GPS signals are jammed. This level of precision makes the SDB an indispensable tool in modern warfare, particularly for hitting specific high-value targets without causing excessive collateral damage.

Another key feature of the GBU-39 is its folding wings, which allow it to glide for tens of miles if released from a high altitude. This capability enables the aircraft deploying the bomb to stay out of range of short-range air defense systems, reducing the risk to the pilot and the aircraft. 

While the SDB is an extremely effective weapon, the Ukrainians face a significant limitation: a shortage of aircraft capable of carrying out such missions. Although they have access to these advanced bombs, they need more aircraft to fully utilize the potential of these precision-guided munitions.

The ongoing war has demonstrated that, despite having limited resources, Ukraine's air force continues to innovate and make the most of the tools at its disposal. However, to maintain and expand their ability to strike critical Russian targets, they will need continued support in terms of both aircraft and advanced weaponry.