In a dramatic escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has unleashed a devastating new weapon: the FAB-1500 bomb. This aerial bomb, converted from a basic Soviet-era design, has wreaked havoc on Ukrainian defenses, causing widespread devastation and heavy casualties on the front lines.
The FAB-1500, weighing 1.5 tonnes with nearly half of it composed of high explosives, is delivered by fighter jets from a considerable distance, beyond the reach of many Ukrainian air defenses. Equipped with pop-out wings and a guidance system, this gliding bomb can accurately target specific locations, creating craters fifteen meters wide upon impact. Recent reports from the Donetsk region depict the immense power of these bombs as they strike critical infrastructure such as thermal power plants, factories, and residential buildings, crippling Ukrainian defenses, and coordination efforts. Joseph Trevithick, an expert on military technology, emphasizes the FAB-1500’s significance, stating that it offers Russia a potent stand-off strike capability while minimizing the risk to its pilots from enemy defenses.
Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines express deep concern over the devastating impact of these bombs. One soldier from the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade describes the psychological toll, stating that the FAB-1500 induces serious injuries and severely tests morale among troops. The use of FAB bombs has become a central tactic in the Russian offensive, particularly in the Avdiivka region, where hundreds of these bombs were deployed within days, according to Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuri Ihnat. Despite the effectiveness of the FAB-1500, experts note its limitations, primarily its suitability for targeting fixed positions rather than mobile or concealed targets. However, in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where main Ukrainian positions are well known to Russian forces, these bombs present a formidable threat. While Ukrainian forces have strengthened their air defense capabilities, they remain insufficient to counter the reach and precision of the FAB-1500. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have urgently appealed for longer-range air defense systems to mitigate the threat posed by Russian airstrikes.
As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian forces find themselves increasingly vulnerable to relentless Russian air strikes, underscoring the urgent need for international support to bolster Ukraine’s defenses against this deadly new weapon.