US resumes supplying Ukraine with GLSDB bombs after their modernization - Reuters
Ukraine may receive American GLSDB bombs again (Illustrative photo: SAAB)
The US is ready to resume supplying Ukraine with Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB). This weapon had previously been upgraded for Ukraine to better counter Russian obstacles, according to Reuters.
Two sources familiar with the weapon informed Western media about improvements made to the American GLSDB bombs.
It is reported that in recent weeks, 19 GLSDBs have been tested to evaluate the effectiveness of the updates.
According to sources, some of the modifications involved strengthening the internal connections of the weapon to enhance its durability, Reuters writes.
It is expected that the resumed use of GLSDBs on the battlefield could occur in the coming days, as stockpiles are already available in Europe, the Western news agency reported.
The last time Ukrainian Defense Forces used such weapons was several months ago, one of the sources told Reuters.
According to Western media, Russian forces had previously interfered with navigation systems, preventing many relatively new Ukrainian GLSDBs with long-range capabilities from hitting their intended targets.
In response to Ukraine's needs, American company Boeing (BA.N) has decided to open a new initiative and proposed a new GLSDB weapon with a range of over 160 km to the Pentagon. This gliding bomb features small wings that extend its range and consists of a small diameter bomb, GBU-39 (SDB), and a M26 rocket engine, both of which are widely available in US stockpiles and relatively inexpensive.
The GLSDB gliding bombs were procured during the administration of former US President Joe Biden through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
The US has purchased new weapons and military equipment for Ukraine totaling nearly $33.2 billion directly from US defense contractors and allies.
On Tuesday, the administration of current US President Donald Trump agreed to resume military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a meeting between delegations from Washington and Kyiv in Jeddah, where the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia was agreed upon.
Western media also highlight that these GLSDB munitions will arrive in Ukraine amid reports that stocks of similar-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) have already been depleted in Ukraine.
GLSDB in Ukraine
As previously reported, the first discussions regarding the supply of GLSDB missiles to Ukraine began back in 2022. The US hesitated for a long time over the delivery of these missiles, as they believed it could lead to an escalation of the conflict. However, in February 2023, the Pentagon confirmed the transfer of GLSDB missiles to Ukraine.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on what makes these long-range bomb missiles special.
Also, in April 2024, the Pentagon explained the reason why the latest GLSDB munitions received by Ukraine from the US had not met expectations.
