Russia has carried out a devastating airstrike using a FAB-3000 bomb, one of the most powerful conventional explosives in its arsenal, on an area near Sudzha, Kursk region.
The explosion, reportedly targeting an ammonium nitrate plant where Ukrainian troops may have been present, sent a massive shockwave across the region.
According to reports, the blast was so intense that its plume resembled the aftermath of a tactical nuclear explosion.
Since early 2024, Russia has been deploying a wide range of modified aerial bombs, including the FAB-500 and FAB-1500, in its efforts to destroy Ukrainian military positions and infrastructure. Unlike precision-guided Western munitions such as the U.S.-made JDAM, Russia’s guided bomb kits remain less accurate, often hitting within a 30 to 50-meter radius. However, their sheer destructive power has proven effective in leveling urban areas and fortified positions.
In recent months, Russian state media has showcased increased production of these bombs, with reports indicating a doubling of FAB-1500 manufacturing and the revival of the Soviet-era FAB-3000 project. The FAB-3000, carrying approximately 1,400 kg of explosives, was initially used by the Soviet military in Afghanistan during the 1980s but was later phased out due to its indiscriminate destructive nature.
Russian military analysts have referred to the FAB-3000 as a “tsar bomb” due to its enormous impact radius. The weapon’s core blast zone is estimated at 35 meters, with heavy concussive and structural damage extending up to 150 meters. However, its effectiveness against well-fortified positions remains uncertain.
Ukrainian forces have yet to confirm the full extent of the damage or whether military personnel were stationed at the targeted site. The attack raises concerns over the continued escalation of Russia’s air campaign and its impact on the battlefield dynamics.