Russia's arms race: 75,000 guided bombs by 2025
The British think tank Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has published a new report on the current situation on the front in Ukraine. As noted by the Ukrainian portal Defence Express, according to the report's authors, Russia plans to produce as many as 75,000 bombs from the KAB family in 2025. However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg, it indicates.
The RUSI document reveals that Russia plans to increase the production of guided bombs to 75,000 units by 2025. This represents a 50 per cent increase compared to 2024, when they intended to produce 50,000 bombs.
Challenges for the Ukrainian armed forces
Defence Express highlights that the increase in production of guided bombs by Russia implies increased pressure on Ukrainian positions. Currently, due to continuous shelling, Ukrainian forces cannot build fortifications any closer than 6 kilometres from the front line. Additionally, Russian army drones pose a serious threat, necessitating that tanks and armoured vehicles are kept at least 3 kilometres from the front.
The role of drones and artillery
Analysts also point out the issue of drones. They play a crucial role in reconnaissance, functioning effectively at distances of 3 to 14 kilometres from the front line; however, their effectiveness heavily relies on the commanders' expertise. The RUSI report underscores that, under favourable conditions, artillery (such as 155-mm BONUS shells) can be more effective than drones.
The report additionally highlights logistical challenges related to ammunition delivery. Due to the dominance of drones, supplies occur in brief "time windows," leading to occasional ammunition shortages. Frequently, there is a lack of propellant charges, which hinders firing, even with a sufficient number of shells.
KAB series bombs
To clarify, the mentioned KAB series bombs, which the Russians intend to increase production of, have been designed in various versions, differing in equipment and weight. They were developed as an extension of the FAB-500 model and have a wide range of applications in combat operations. One variant, the KAB-500L, is equipped with a laser-guidance system and contains approximately 450 kilograms of explosives.
Thanks to their precision with an accuracy of up to 7 metres, they are effective even in the most demanding terrain. These bombs are compatible with aircraft such as the Su-24 and MiG-27. The drop process is based on prior target detection, allowing for their use from altitudes ranging from 500 metres to 5,000 metres and at speeds from 550 km/h to 1,100 km/h. Further control of the bomb is managed through advanced electronic systems, enabling the pilot to bypass the need to track its trajectory after release—a method known as "drop and forget."
