How Ukraine can resist Russian bombs: three options from Defense News
Date: 2024-06-27 Author: Michail Kovalenko Categories: WAR
With the receipt of new Western weapons and technologies, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) will be able to more effectively counter the Russian threat, including glider bombs. In recent months, Russia has been actively using these bombs to attack Ukrainian troops and nearby cities. Defense News suggests three main ways to combat this threat.
The problem of glider bombs
Russia is massively using glider bombs, which are difficult to detect and intercept. These bombs, without an engine and without emitting heat, are launched from Russian aircraft tens of kilometers from the front line, remaining in relative safety. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky noted that about 3,000 such bombs were fired in March 2023. Ukraine needs additional Patriot systems to protect its infrastructure from these threats, but the cost of the interceptors remains high.
Destruction of carrier aircraft
The most effective way to combat glider bombs is to destroy the carrier aircraft before they can launch their munitions. This requires the use of tactical missiles, air-to-air systems and electronic warfare. Ukraine has already successfully used tactical missiles and drones to attack ground targets. In May 2023, ATACMS missiles destroyed three modern combat aircraft in Crimea. In June, Ukraine launched about 70 drones at a Russian airfield, allegedly destroying three aircraft.
The relaxation of US policy allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS against Russian forces attacking Ukraine. However, this permit is only valid within 60 miles (96.5 km) of Russian territory. Perhaps the United States should consider allowing strikes on more distant airfields.
Use of Western equipment: F-16 and DRLV aircraft
The arrival of Western equipment to Ukraine, such as F-16 fighter jets and early air warning and control aircraft (EWAC), could significantly strengthen its defensive capabilities. These aircraft, especially when equipped with advanced long-range air-to-air missiles, can destroy Russian aircraft before they launch glider bombs. Saab AEW&C aircraft can detect targets at a distance of up to 463 km and track air and ground radars, which will be extremely useful for the destruction of remote aircraft and air defense systems.
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare (EW) offers another way to counter glider bombs. Using powerful jammers to block GLONASS and GPS satellite signals can significantly reduce the accuracy of bombs. Although glider bombs can use backup inertial guidance systems, they are less accurate without satellite correction.
In war there are rarely universal solutions. To successfully counter Russian glider bombs, Ukraine must use diverse and flexible approaches. A combination of long-range tactical missiles, F-16 fighters, airborne reconnaissance aircraft and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, as well as a more flexible US policy on their use, could significantly strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.
The problem of glider bombs
Russia is massively using glider bombs, which are difficult to detect and intercept. These bombs, without an engine and without emitting heat, are launched from Russian aircraft tens of kilometers from the front line, remaining in relative safety. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky noted that about 3,000 such bombs were fired in March 2023. Ukraine needs additional Patriot systems to protect its infrastructure from these threats, but the cost of the interceptors remains high.
Destruction of carrier aircraft
The most effective way to combat glider bombs is to destroy the carrier aircraft before they can launch their munitions. This requires the use of tactical missiles, air-to-air systems and electronic warfare. Ukraine has already successfully used tactical missiles and drones to attack ground targets. In May 2023, ATACMS missiles destroyed three modern combat aircraft in Crimea. In June, Ukraine launched about 70 drones at a Russian airfield, allegedly destroying three aircraft.
The relaxation of US policy allowed Ukraine to use ATACMS against Russian forces attacking Ukraine. However, this permit is only valid within 60 miles (96.5 km) of Russian territory. Perhaps the United States should consider allowing strikes on more distant airfields.
Use of Western equipment: F-16 and DRLV aircraft
The arrival of Western equipment to Ukraine, such as F-16 fighter jets and early air warning and control aircraft (EWAC), could significantly strengthen its defensive capabilities. These aircraft, especially when equipped with advanced long-range air-to-air missiles, can destroy Russian aircraft before they launch glider bombs. Saab AEW&C aircraft can detect targets at a distance of up to 463 km and track air and ground radars, which will be extremely useful for the destruction of remote aircraft and air defense systems.
Electronic warfare
Electronic warfare (EW) offers another way to counter glider bombs. Using powerful jammers to block GLONASS and GPS satellite signals can significantly reduce the accuracy of bombs. Although glider bombs can use backup inertial guidance systems, they are less accurate without satellite correction.
In war there are rarely universal solutions. To successfully counter Russian glider bombs, Ukraine must use diverse and flexible approaches. A combination of long-range tactical missiles, F-16 fighters, airborne reconnaissance aircraft and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, as well as a more flexible US policy on their use, could significantly strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.
