Ukrainian forces deploy GBU‑39 and HIMARS in Kursk offensive
To the list of NATO weapons used by Ukrainians during the offensive in the Kursk region, GBU-39 guided bombs can be added. We explain what they are characterised by and where exactly they come from.
The use of GBU-39 in the Kursk region was confirmed by Mykola Oleschuk, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. Social media also featured recordings showing the Ukrainian air force's attack on Russian positions.
GBU-39 used in the Kursk region
GBU-39 are guided bombs produced by the American company Boeing. They are delivered to the Ukrainians by the United States and have already been used during the ongoing war, but only in Ukrainian territories occupied by the Russians. It is known that Ukrainian MiG-29 fighters have been adapted to carry GBU-39.
"This is what an air attack carried out by the Air Force using precision-guided GBU-39 bombs on a platoon command point in the Kursk region looks like," said Mykola Oleschuk.
GBU-39 are precision weapons, providing an impact accuracy of about 5-8 metres. This is due to, among other things, the use of GPS systems and folding wings. The latter also translates into a large range, up to 110 kilometres (when released from a high altitude).
Here, warheads weighing 93 kilograms are used. These can operate in several different modes, such as airburst or delayed explosion.
HIMARS in the Kursk region
A recording showing the use of American HIMARS rocket artillery in the Kursk region also appeared online. In this case, however, it’s not the first but another instance. Ukrainians had previously used this weapon to destroy a Russian pontoon bridge.
HIMARS allows the use of several types of missiles. The most standard are 227-millimetre calibre MLRS missiles. In addition, the American "god of war" is adapted to MGM-140 ATACMS ballistic missiles and GMLRS missiles with cluster warheads.
