Ukraine used Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb to strike Deep Targets in Russian

Defense News ,Ukraine Russia War :- The Ukrainian military recently used the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), marking a significant development in their arsenal. The evidence emerged online when remnants of this ammunition were discovered near Kreminna in the Luhansk region on February 13.

The United States government had announced the future delivery of GLSDB missiles as part of an arms package on February 3, 2023. It took almost a year for this promise to be fulfilled due to certain reasons, mainly because this type of ammunition was not in serial production at that time. The introduction of GLSDB brings a notable change to the capabilities of the MARS and HIMARS rocket systems.

Previously, Ukraine relied on GMLRS missiles with a range of up to 85 km. However, after the initial shock of their use, Russians strategically moved their large warehouses beyond this range, over 100 km from the front lines. The GLSDB, with its doubled flight range, is poised to alter this dynamic, even though it comes at the cost of reducing the explosive material content in the warhead. Despite the reduced explosive power, hitting ammunition depots with the GLSDB is expected to yield satisfying results.

The GLSDB could emerge as a compelling alternative to the scarce ATACMS Block I missiles, which Ukrainians have used sparingly in combat since October 2023. Despite a similar range, the lightweight GLSDB missile is estimated to cost around USD 40,000, significantly cheaper than the heavy ATACMS, which comes with a price tag of about USD 1 million.

Notably, the ATACMS version provided to Ukrainian soldiers is equipped with a cluster warhead, making it suitable for targeting scattered objects across open ground. This limitation was evident during attacks on airfields in Berdyansk and Luhansk, where several helicopters were taken down in open spaces. In contrast, the GLSDB has the ability to penetrate building roofs and can penetrate about 90 cm of reinforced concrete before detonation.

The ground-launched GLSDB is a collaborative effort between Boeing in the United States and Saab in Sweden. It combines the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb with the engine from the M26 rocket of the 227 mm caliber from the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher system. Launched from the ground to high altitudes, the GLSDB deploys wings and fins after the engine burns out, entering its glide phase towards the target. The estimated flight range is around 150-160 km, and its targeting is achieved through inertial navigation with satellite correction, ensuring accuracy to less than 1 meter.