Weapons Systems

Russian FAB1500 Gliding Bombs Hit Hard

These 1.5 ton bombs are causing real difficulties for Ukrainian forces and there’s a 3 ton version on the way

FAB500 gliding bomb on launch pylon Source: YouTube screenshot (Interesting Productions)

Russia’s use of gliding bombs in Ukraine has significantly impacted the course of the war. These weapons, essentially old-style iron bombs retrofitted with wings and guidance systems, offer a more precise and cost-effective alternative to traditional bombing campaigns.

Weight and wings equals range and power

The most common Russian gliding bomb is the FAB-500, a modernized version of a Soviet-era bomb. It weighs around 500 kilograms (1,100 lbs) — a significant explosive payload capable of inflicting major damage. The key addition is a folding wing assembly (UMPK kit) retrofitted to the bomb’s body. These deploy after release, transforming the bomb into a small glider under control of the kit’s guidance system.

But the FAB1500 is three times that size.

Original FAB1500 iron gravity bomb with stabiliser ring on nose. Source: Twitter

The length of the FAB-1500-M54 bomb is 2.7 metres, with a diameter of 630 mm and with a total weight of…