08 May 2019

Russia adopts new-generation guided bomb

by Nikolai Novichkov

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) began receiving deliveries of new extended-range 500 kg and 1,500 kg guided bombs from Russia’s leading developer of guided bombs and torpedoes, GNPP Region, a subsidiary of the Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV), during the first quarter of 2019.

The Russian Aerospace Forces began receiving deliveries of new extended-range 500 kg and 1,500 kg guided bombs, designated K08BE (left) and K029E (UPAB-1500B-E, right), from GNPP Region during the first quarter of 2019. (GNPP Region)

“Both bombs have undergone testing and become operational, and deliveries of these munitions to the VKS have already commenced,” GNPP Region Director General Igor Krylov told Jane’s. The enterprise has signed domestic and international contracts for the two new weapons, and export deliveries will begin in 2020.

A Russian defence industry source told Jane’s the 500 kg and 1,500 kg guided bombs are designated K08BE and K029E (UPAB-1500B-E), respectively.

The K08BE with an INS, aided by satellite guidance and a high-explosive (HE) warhead, is designed to destroy military equipment and infrastructure. The bomb weighs 505 kg, carries a 390 kg warhead, is 2,840 mm long, and has a diameter of 0.355 m wide. The weapon can be dropped from an altitude of up to 14 km and has a maximum gliding range of 40 km. The warhead has a smart fuze with three detonation time-delay modes. The K08BE features mid-body wings and tail-stabilising fins, both in an X-configuration and of a clipped-delta planform (their shape when viewed from below or above). A slotted-cylinder control surface is attached to the trailing edge of each of the tail fins.

The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) began receiving deliveries of new extended-range 500 kg and 1,500...

Jane's Find unrivaled intelligence, consultancy and advertising solutions to the defence and national security sectors.