Top 10: Glide Bombs – Why They Scare Both Experts and Civilians

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Glide bombs have become one of the most feared weapons in modern warfare, especially following their widespread use in the war between Russia and Ukraine. But what exactly is a glide bomb, and why does it cause such destruction and fear? Here’s a top 10 list of what you should know about these destructive weapons – with a special focus on Russia’s use, the civilian consequences, and a critical look at who else uses them.

#10: What is a glide bomb?

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

A glide bomb is a conventional bomb equipped with guidance and wings that allow it to strike targets at long distances with precision. Instead of being dropped directly over a target, it glides from several kilometers away and is guided via GPS or other navigation systems.

#9: Cheap technology with high impact

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Unlike advanced missile systems, glide bombs are relatively cheap to produce but can cause enormous destruction. This makes them attractive to countries with fewer resources – and more dangerous in the hands of aggressive states.

#8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Since early 2024, Russia has intensified its use of glide bombs in the war against Ukraine. This is especially in response to a shortage of precision missiles – glide bombs have become the Kremlin’s solution for hitting targets with accuracy without risking aircraft near the front lines.

#7: Broad and brutal impact

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Even though glide bombs are guided, their explosive force is often so great that they strike far beyond the intended target. This means civilian areas, homes, and hospitals are frequently hit – even if the original intention was a military target.

#6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

The consequences of glide bomb use are not just physical destruction but also psychological terror. They can fall without warning and without sound, making it nearly impossible for civilians to prepare or seek shelter in time.

#5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Multiple reports suggest that Russia is receiving technological support from countries like Iran and North Korea to develop and adapt glide bomb technology. This raises further concerns about the spread of these weapons.

#4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Glide bombs are typically launched from high altitudes and beyond the range of most Ukrainian air defense systems. This makes them hard to intercept, and Ukraine has repeatedly called for Western support in the form of better defense systems.

#3: Destruction of critical infrastructure

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Glide bombs are often used to target power stations, bridges, and other key infrastructure. This paralyzes society’s functions and creates humanitarian crises – especially in winter months when electricity and heat are essential for survival.

#2: Lack of international restrictions

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Currently, there are no specific international agreements banning the use of glide bombs. This makes it difficult to hold states accountable – even when civilian targets are repeatedly hit.

#1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

#10: What is a glide bomb?, #9: Cheap technology with high impact, #8: Russia’s increased use in Ukraine, #7: Broad and brutal impact, #6: Civilian casualties and fear among the population, #5: Technological support from Iran and North Korea, #4: Difficult for Ukraine to defend against, #3: Destruction of critical infrastructure, #2: Lack of international restrictions, #1: It’s not just Russia – the U.S. uses them too

Although Russia has become notorious for its use of glide bombs in Ukraine, it’s important to point out that the United States has also used similar weapons in conflicts in the Middle East. The difference often lies in the technology and precision – but the consequences for civilians can be the same.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.

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