What is FAB-500? Russia's winged bomb used in strike on Ukraine's Dobropillia
FAB-500 bomb used by Russian forces in the strike on Dobropillia (Illustrative photo: Russian media)
The Russian army used a FAB-500 bomb during a strike on the center of Dobropillia. This is a Soviet-designed aerial bomb that has been modified by Russian forces and is now used in attacks on Ukrainian territory.
What is known about the bomb used by Russian forces in the attack on the city in Ukraine's Donetsk region?
The FAB-500 is a Russian (formerly Soviet) high-explosive aerial bomb weighing 500 kilograms. The name stands for "high-explosive aerial bomb" in Russian. It is one of the most widely used bombs since Soviet times and is actively employed by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Key specifications of the FAB-500:
-
Weight: approximately 500 kg
-
Explosive charge: around 200–250 kg (depending on the modification)
-
Type of explosive: TNT or TNT-based mixtures
-
Purpose: designed to destroy personnel, fortifications, buildings, and equipment
-
Delivery method: dropped from aircraft (free-fall bomb)
Main modifications:
-
FAB-500 M-54: older version with thick casing, intended for penetrating fortifications
-
FAB-500 M-62: lighter version with thinner casing, more suitable for soft targets
-
FAB-500 SHN: variant equipped with a parachute system to slow its descent
Use in the war against Ukraine
Since 2023, Russia has been actively upgrading the FAB-500 by equipping it with glide kits, known as UMPK (Unified Gliding and Correction Module).
These modified bombs have gained the ability to:
-
Glide distances of 40–70 km from the aircraft, allowing launches without entering air defense zones
-
Use satellite guidance systems to improve targeting accuracy
These guided glide bombs have become a serious threat to Ukrainian infrastructure and frontline cities. They are used in strikes against Ukrainian Armed Forces positions, logistics hubs, bridges, and industrial facilities.
Challenges for air defense
Due to their high speed and flight trajectory after release, FAB-500 bombs equipped with UMPK modules are difficult to intercept using conventional air defense systems. They often cause widespread destruction, particularly in cities near the front line — such as Chasiv Yar, Avdiivka, and Kupiansk.
This demonstrates that for Russian forces, the FAB-500 is a simple, low-cost, yet highly destructive weapon. In its modernized form, it has become a key tool for Russian aviation and presents a serious challenge to Ukraine's air defense and broader military strategy.
Strike on Dobropillia
On the evening of Wednesday, July 16, Russian forces carried out an airstrike on Dobropillia in the Donetsk region. The attack targeted a crowded area, with reports confirming fatalities and a large number of injuries.
Read the full RBC-Ukraine report for more on the aftermath of this devastating strike.
