Russian media have showcased imagery of a new type of Russian glide bomb used in the war in Ukraine.
The new imagery of the UMPB D-30SN winged precision-guided bomb includes photos showing two examples under the wing of a Russian Su-34 Fullback strike aircraft.
The imagery reveals the D-30SN’s compact design beneath the notably larger Su-34 aircraft. Featuring cruciform tailfins and a foldable main wing that lies flush with the bomb’s streamlined body, the UMPB D-30SN presents a significant evolution in Russian precision-guided munitions. Notably, the bomb is mounted inverted to the aircraft, flipping post-launch to align correctly towards its target.
The UMPB D-30SN is designed to glide towards its target and is equipped with its own propulsion system, extending its range significantly beyond that of traditional gravity bombs. This bomb is seen as an advanced yet cost-effective alternative to the older FAB-250 bombs and a less expensive counterpart to the American GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB).
While specific range capabilities of the UMPB D-30SN remain undisclosed, estimates suggest it could exceed the 50 to 70 kilometers typically expected from such munitions, posing a complex challenge for air defense systems.