The GLSDB system. Source: Saab Group
The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) the United States is preparing to arm Ukraine with can be easily intercepted by existing air defenses, Andrey Marochko, a retired colonel of the Luhansk People’s Militia, told TASS on February 3.
The GLSDB was developed by American Boeing and Swedish Saab Group. The system combines the 129-kilogram GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), which is guided by a GPS-aided inertial navigation system, with the M26 227 mm rocket motor.
Pentagon Press Secretary Patrick Ryder confirmed to reporters earlier on February 3 that the new U.S. military aid package to Ukraine will include GLSDBs.
While the GLSDB is being promoted by the mainstream media as yet another “Wunderwaffe,” Marochko told TASS that the ground-launched glide bomb can be easily intercepted due to its low flight velocity.
“GLSDB’s flight velocity is much lower than, say, that of the type M31 HIMARS rockets Ukraine is now receiving. Hence, our air defense systems will have more time to target and hit them,” he told the Russian news agency, 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 150 kilometers, but there is no official verification. Many say the range is 130 kilometers,” he said.
Marochko stressed that the GLSDB “will not change the situation at the combat engagement line.” According to a report by Reuters, the munitions could be delivered to Kiev forces as early as spring.
“I am not sure that the Ukrainian army will be in the 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,” the retired officer added.
Reuters’ report revealed that the GLSDB is not yet compatible with HIMARS systems already in service with Kiev forces. To solve this problem, the U.S. will provide Ukraine with new launchers for the munitions.
GLSDB munitions will be easier to intercept than HIMARS rockets, at least in theory. Still, their supply represents a major escalation by the U.S., who is trying to prolong the conflict in Ukraine as much as possible in the hopes of draining and breaking Russia.
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