Russian Glide Bomb Seen in New Imagery Raises Concerns for Ukrainian Air Defenses

A little over two months since the first appearance of a new type of Russian glide bomb in the conflict in Ukraine, new imagery has emerged showing the complete weapon, along with video footage of it being launched. The weapon, known as the UMPB D-30SN, is now becoming increasingly integrated into Russian service, which presents additional challenges for Ukrainian air defense operators.

The new imagery of the UMPB D-30SN includes photos showcasing two examples mounted under the wing of a Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) Su-34 Fullback strike aircraft. The off-white-painted UMPB D-30SN, with its cruciform tailfins deployed, presents a relatively diminutive size in comparison to the Su-34 aircraft. Additionally, a video from the cockpit of a Su-34 shows the launch of two UMPB D-30SNs, with the wings of the bomb deploying soon after launch. The video and photos were initially shared by a Russian military blogger on the Telegram messaging app.

Refined Design of UMPB D-30SN

The UMPB D-30SN seems to have a much more refined design compared to the earlier UMPK, which has already posed significant challenges for Ukrainian air defenses since its introduction in early 2023. The UMPB D-30SN is noted to have a more elegantly integrated design, akin to the U.S.-made GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, a fact that was previously postulated when the new weapon first appeared. However, the new imagery does not show any evidence of a powerplant, which would significantly improve the weapon's range. There have been rumors of the UMPB D-30SN being a dual-use weapon for both aircraft and ground-based rocket artillery, but there is no evidence to support this claim as of yet.

Guidance System and Tactical Significance

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the UMPB D-30SN uses both inertial and satellite navigation, providing the weapon with a high degree of resistance to electronic warfare jamming, which is increasingly utilized by Ukraine. However, the exact guidance method and the capability to be programmed with target coordinates after takeoff remain unknown. The need for standoff weapons that enhance the survival chances of Russian tactical aircraft against Ukrainian ground-based air defenses is emphasized, especially in light of the reported destruction of Russian Su-25 Frogfoot attack aircraft by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. The UMPB D-30SN, along with the earlier UMPK, offers lower-cost solutions compared to other tactical air-to-ground missiles, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, which are likely in short supply for Russia.

The addition of the UMPB D-30SN to the Russian armory raises concerns for Ukraine, particularly as it awaits new Western-supplied air defense systems. Even the less sophisticated UMPKs have been described by Ukrainian officials as "almost impossible to shoot down." With the introduction of the UMPB D-30SN, it is expected to address the shortcomings of the UMPK and provide a more accurate and longer-ranged complement to it. As Russia expands its campaign and confronts evolving anti-aircraft defenses in Ukraine, the deployment of UMPB D-30SN is likely to increase, providing a relatively low-cost means of launching indirect attacks on Ukrainian targets, thereby heightening the need for advanced air defense systems in Ukraine.