U.S. delays transfer of long-range GLSDB missiles to Ukraine: Reuters reports
The United States is postponing the delivery of the first major batch of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine until next year. The GLSDBs are adapted for striking targets up to approximately 160 km and are land-based, according to Reute
The United States is postponing the delivery of the first major batch of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine until next year. The GLSDBs are adapted for striking targets up to approximately 160 km and are land-based, according to Reuters.
According to representatives of the Pentagon and sources familiar with the matter, the United States is postponing the transfer of the first major batch of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine until the first half of 2024 as part of defense assistance.
"People familiar with current timing say delivery to the U.S. by Boeing, the prime contractor for the GLSDB, will take place in late December - followed by several months of testing before onward shipment to Ukraine," the material reports.
A Pentagon representative stated to journalists that they "anticipate providing this key capability in the early 2024 timeframe after successful verification." Thus, another testing term is being planned.
As the contract for the start of GLSDB production was signed in March, the delivery was postponed to the end of the year according to the U.S. Department of Defense's statement to Reuters. Materials provided by the state were necessary for production, so the contract signing limited its start.
What makes the GLSDB special?
The long-range precision-guided bomb can strike a target up to 150 kilometers away. The munition is an experimental hybrid that combines the Small Diameter Bomb GBU-39 with a rocket engine from the M26 missile.
The GLSDB is a joint venture between the Swedish company SAAB AB (SAABb.ST) and Boeing Co (BA.N). According to SAAB's website, these bombs are guided by GPS, which can counteract some electronic countermeasures. They are suitable for use in any weather conditions and can be used against armored vehicles.
Specifications of the munition:
- Weight: 130 kg
- Length: 1800 mm
- Strike range: Up to 150 km
- Warhead weight: 93 kg
- Launch platforms: M270, HIMARS
Transfer of GLSDB to Ukraine
Boeing (BA.N) first approached the United States with a request to purchase and deliver such rocket bombs to Ukraine last autumn. Different timelines were mentioned in the press at various times regarding the transfer of GLSDB to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces need GLSDBs to expand the limited supply of ATACMS missiles previously provided by the United States. This will enable the Ukrainian soldiers to target enemy objectives at a distance that is twice the range of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
