The United States has decided to send advanced bombs (ground-launched small diameter bombs) with extended range to Ukraine as part of a $2.17 billion aid package, according to U.S. officials. The ground-launched small diameter bombs have a range of roughly 95 miles (150 kilometres), nearly double that of any other offensive weapons provided by the U.S. to Ukraine so far.
The package also includes equipment to integrate Western air defense systems into Ukraine’s own defenses to better protect against Russian missile attacks. Initially, U.S. officials hesitated to send longer-range systems to Ukraine due to concerns over their potential use to target inside Russia. However, after months of consideration, the U.S. has agreed to provide the advanced weapons, although they have still rejected Ukraine’s requests for fighter jets.
The aid package includes $425 million in ammunition and support equipment from existing Pentagon stockpiles, as well as $1.75 billion in new funding through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative to purchase new weapons from the industry.
The initiative also funds HAWK air defense systems, anti-aircraft guns, counter-drone systems, and the integration of air defense systems. Western allies have pledged several air defense systems to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion last year, and the latest aid package aims to improve Ukraine’s ability to defend against incoming attacks.
The addition of the longer-range bombs was first reported by Reuters. Despite Ukraine’s ongoing request for F-16 fighter jets, President Biden has opposed sending them since the start of the conflict.
Let’s have a look at brief Wikipedia of Ground Launched small diameter bomb
The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is a weapon made by Boeing and the Saab Group, who modified Boeing’s GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) with the addition of a rocket motor. Initial testing began in 2015.
Unlike traditional artillery weapons, the GLSDB offers 360-degree coverage for high and low angles of attack, flying around terrain to hit targets on the back of mountains, or circling back around to a target behind the launch vehicle. The GLSDB has a range of 93 mi (150 km), or can hit targets 43 mi (70 km) behind the launch vehicle
In a 2017 demonstration, the GLSDB engaged a moving target at a distance of 62 mi (100 km). The SDB and rocket motor separated at altitude and the bomb used a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker to track and engage the target. A 2019 test extended this range to 81 mi (130 km) against a target at sea.
