Ukraine Raises Alarm Over Russia's Glide Bomb Production Plans

In a concerning turn of events, Ukraine has indicated that Russia is gearing up for a significant increase in its aerial assault capabilities, planning to create up to 120,000 glide bombs this year. This alarming revelation comes from a senior intelligence official in Kyiv, highlighting a weapon that has already wreaked havoc on frontline areas and is vital to Russia's military strategy.

Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, noted that this figure encompasses both newly manufactured glide bombs and older Soviet-era versions that have been retrofitted with enhanced wings or propulsion systems. Although Reuters has not been able to substantiate this production estimate, it indicates a dramatic growth in Russia's production capabilities since the onset of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

The glide bomb has emerged as one of Russia’s deadliest weapons. Unlike traditional missiles, these bombs do not necessitate sophisticated guidance systems, which significantly reduces their production costs and complexity. When deployed from aircraft positioned far from the battlefront, they can cover large distances and strike targets in Ukrainian cities without exposing the jets to defensive fire. The bombs typically carry heavy explosive loads, devastating infrastructure, fortified positions, and buildings.

Reports suggest daily launches of 200 to 250 glide bombs by Russian forces, a substantial increase from previous reports. Skibitskyi highlighted the magnitude of this production as a critical threat that requires immediate attention from Kyiv.

A significant concern is the introduction of Russia’s long-range glide bomb, capable of travelling up to 200 km (125 miles) from its release point, far surpassing the previous range of 90 km. Moscow is reportedly targeting the production of around 500 of these extended-range bombs by year-end. Alarmingly, Ukrainian intelligence suspects that modifications could extend some variants’ range to 400 km, posing a severe risk to urban centers far from existing conflict zones.

Recent bombings in cities like Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Odesa — distanced from frontline conflicts — showcase Russia's expanding capacity to bombard civilian infrastructure deep within Ukraine.

The Russian defense ministry has yet to respond to these intelligence claims, having consistently refuted accusations of targeting civilian locations, despite ample evidence to the contrary as the war continues to inflict heavy casualties.

In addition to the glide bombs, Skibitskyi detailed Russia’s swiftly advancing drone program, predicting the production of around 70,000 long-range drones this year, including 30,000 Shahed models, which have been instrumental in recent strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities. “They definitely want to break us,” he cautioned, emphasizing that Russia might escalate pressure on Ukraine during winter to weaken its position in potential future peace negotiations.

He further expressed concern that if Russian forces capture the besieged city of Pokrovsk, it could enable Moscow to push deeper into the Donetsk region — a longstanding military objective.

Finally, Skibitskyi addressed the increasing military ties between Russia and North Korea, stating that Pyongyang has delivered 6.5 million artillery shells to Russia in 2023, though the pace of these shipments has begun to slow. Many of these shells reportedly arrive in poor conditions, necessitating refurbishment in Russian facilities. Meanwhile, North Korea is on the path to developing and mass-producing its own drones, leveraging lessons from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

With Russia intensifying its stockpiles of munitions, fleet of drones, and international alliances, Ukrainian authorities warn that the upcoming months could witness heightened destruction, particularly affecting civilians in areas far from direct conflict. Ukraine asserts the urgent need for enhanced air defense systems, broader international backing, and prompt actions to tackle what might evolve into one of the war's most perilous stages.