Ukraine uses new almost 500-kilogram guided bombs against Russian army - media
Ukrainian Su-27s began using 454 kilogram Mark 83 bombs against the Russian army. They were adapted to the JDAM-ER bomb planning and correction kit.
This is reported by Censor.NET with reference to The Aviationist.
It is noted that the Ukrainian military has been actively using 226 kg JDAM-ER bombs since 2023.
A video posted on Facebook by the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade shows a Ukrainian Su-27 dropping several precision-guided bombs on Russian military positions.
Previously, it was only known that there were variants of JDAM-ER kits for 500-pound and 2,000-pound bombs. They were named GBU-62 and GBU-64, respectively.
However, now there is confirmation that the Armed Forces have even more powerful weapons in their arsenal. Apparently, the new variant weighing 453 kg was developed specifically for the Ukrainian Air Force.
The JDAM-ER is based on the Mk-82 bomb, but the new model is probably based on the 1000-pound Mk-83. Perhaps the new munition will receive the GBU-63 index.
However, the United States has not previously reported a ready-made version of the JDAM-ER kit for 1000-pound bombs.
What is known about JDAM-ER
- Equipped with GPS guidance and folding wings, providing a range of up to 80 km.
- It allows Ukrainian pilots to carry out strikes without entering enemy air defense range.
- Ukraine received these bombs in 2023 and adapted them for Su-27 and MiG-29 fighters using special MAU-12 pylons and GPS antennas.
- The main tactic is to launch from a low altitude and high speed, which increases the bomb's range.
- The high accuracy of strikes is ensured by satellite navigation, which makes it possible to effectively hit strategic enemy targets.
