NATO tests counter-glide bomb tech: Ukraine to get air defense systems by end of 2025
The primary carrier of glide bombs (FABs) in the Russian arsenal is the Su-34 fighter-bomber (Getty Images)
NATO has completed tests of systems capable of intercepting Russian glide bombs. According to Defense Express, Ukraine is expected to receive this new technology by the end of 2025, enabling it to counter one of Russia's main strike weapons used against Ukrainian defenses.
The initiative is part of NATO's Innovation Challenge project, first announced in February 2025. The project focuses on developing defenses not only against glide bombs but also against strike drones such as the Shahed.
Western startups Alta Ares, Atreyd, and Tytan took part in the development, working on components of a multilayered air defense system. Representatives from NATO's Joint Forces Command, as well as officials from France and Ukraine, observed the testing of the new solutions.
During the field tests, the startup Alta Ares demonstrated its system for detecting, identifying, and predicting the flight trajectory of glide bombs. Atreyd and Tytan, in turn, presented drone-based air defense solutions — including both individual interceptor drones and coordinated drone swarms.
Further development of the interception systems is planned in the coming months. However, several solutions are already being prepared for deployment. By the end of 2025, Ukraine may be able to field systems capable of intercepting and neutralizing Russian glide bombs.
"The ability to counter glide bombs will save more lives among Ukrainian troops and improve the effectiveness of defensive fortifications. In other words, a solution to this problem was needed yesterday," the publication noted.
What are glide bombs?
A glide bomb (or guided aerial bomb) is a type of precision-guided munition designed to strike targets without the need for the aircraft to enter enemy air defense zones. In essence, it's a conventional bomb equipped with a guidance and correction system that increases both its accuracy and range.
Russia uses FAB-250 and FAB-500 bombs as the basis for its glide bombs, outfitted with UMPK (Unified Planning and Correction Modules) that allow them to be launched from aircraft such as the Su-34. These bombs can travel distances of up to 90 kilometers. However, their accuracy is significantly lower compared to Western analogs used by Ukraine — such as the American JDAM-ER and the French AASM Hammer.
Despite their limited precision, Russia has turned glide bombs into a weapon of terror due to their relatively low cost and high destructive power. These bombs are regularly used to strike Ukrainian cities and villages, causing heavy civilian casualties.
Ukraine needs air defense systems
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged leaders of the G7 to provide Ukraine with more air defense systems. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Western air defense systems have intercepted a large number of drones and missiles, saving countless lives — both military and civilian.
