Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs to be Easy Targets for Russian Defenses in Ukraine

The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) which are included in the latest U.S. arms aid to Ukraine, could be easy targets for Russian air defense systems.

The GLSDB are launched at a relatively low velocity as compared to HIMARS rockets and could be easily tracked and show down, according Andrey Marochko, a retired colonel of the LPR People’s Militia, was quoted as saying by TASS.

“GLSDB’s flight velocity is much lower than, say, that of type M31 HIMSARS rockets Ukraine is now receiving. Hence, our air defense systems will have more time to target and hit them," he said, adding that there is no official data about GLSDB rockets’ range while open sources provide varying information. "Some sources say these rockets can fly to a distance of up to 150km but there is no official verification. Many say the range is 130km," he added.

Related news: U.S Approves Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb for Ukraine, Rejects ATACMS Missiles

 He said reports about such supplies "will not change the situation at the combat engagement line," since these munitions will be supplied to the Ukrainian army not earlier than mid-autumn. "I am not sure that the Ukrainian army will be in a position it is today. Our successful offensive actions indicate that before these munitions reach troops our forces will push the enemy back from the combat engagement line and people in the LPR will be in safety on the entire republic’s territory," Marochko added.

Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder told reporters earlier on Friday that that the new package of U.S. military aid to Ukraine will include Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB). According to the Wall Street Journal, the 113kg bomb with a rocket engine can be fired from a HIMARS multiple rocket launcher. As per Western media, it may take nine months for these bombs to reach Ukraine.