Ukrainian MiG‑29s bolster precision with US‑guided bombs
The first footage showing the simultaneous release of eight GBU-39 SDB-guided bombs by a Ukrainian MiG-29 aircraft has been made available online. We explain how this is achieved.
On the "Sinashnik" channel on Telegram, a video was posted showing the release of eight GBU-39 SDB bombs by a MiG-29 aircraft, most likely belonging to the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The attack occurred in the Zaporizhzhia region.
MiG-29 and "bomb packs" from the USA
Currently, Ukrainians primarily depend on their remaining military aircraft, particularly the MiG-29s, whose losses and spare parts requirements have been largely supplied by Poland and Slovakia.
These are fighter jets that, while capable of carrying a modest load of aerial bombs, are far from being specialised strike machines. In practice, the MiG-29 can carry a maximum of four bombs weighing slightly over 590 kilograms.
Meanwhile, the solution from the USA allows for carrying four smaller yet more precise bombs on a single pylon. This refers to the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), introduced by the USAF in 2006. These small guided glide bombs, weighing 125 kilograms can be grouped into four sets using the BRU-61/A launcher while utilising only one weapon suspension point, creating a sort of "bomb pack." This enables attacking many targets in a single raid, which Ukrainians actively utilise.
GBU-39 SDB — a small bomb capable of penetrating almost a metre of concrete
Each SDB bomb contains a 93-kilogram warhead capable of penetrating even 90 centimetres of reinforced concrete, which is unattainable for artillery shells. Another operating mode includes an airburst providing a wide area of shrapnel impact.
Unfortunately, the guidance relies on a jammable combination of satellite and inertial navigation. However, the GBU-39/B variant has a system based on a laser beam that provides full precision even in such conditions. This variant is not a "fire-and-forget" type of weapon; instead, it requires laser target illumination until impact.
These bombs are equipped with folding wings, allowing them to cover distances of several dozen kilometres when released from great heights. This enables the aircraft carrying them to remain out of reach of short-range air defences.
