Ukraine intercepts russian KAB bomb with new experimental weapon
For the first time, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have shot down a Russian KAB bomb near Zaporizhzhia, according to the Ukrainian agency Unian, which cites findings by military correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko. He believes the army used "experimental weapons."
The Ukrainian army successfully intercepted a Russian guided KAB bomb near Zaporizhzhia. This information was provided by military correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko, citing sources within the Ukrainian Defence Forces.
Ukrainians' experimental weapon
"According to preliminary information, this is experimental weaponry," writes Tsaplienko on Telegram. As reported by the Ukrainian agency Unian, it is the first time the army has intercepted a KAB aviation bomb.
Previously, military expert Ihor Romanenko explained that Ukraine has difficulties neutralizing Russian KABs. The F-16s Ukraine received are not capable of shooting down their carriers. Therefore, Ukraine is focusing on attacking ground targets using drones.
The interception of a Russian KAB bomb by Ukrainian Armed Forces could be a breakthrough moment in the conflict, demonstrating Ukraine's ability to defend against the opponent's advanced weaponry. Unian emphasizes that this event could influence the further course of the war.
Russia's KAB bombs
The KAB bomb family was developed in various versions with differing equipment and weights. These designs, inspired by the FAB-500 bomb, have versatile applications in combat operations. One of their variants is the KAB-500L, which uses laser guidance. It is built with approximately 450 kilograms of explosives.
With a precision of about 7 metres, these bombs are effective even in challenging terrain conditions. They are compatible with aircraft like the Su-24 or MiG-27. The drop procedure is based on prior target acquisition, allowing them to be released from altitudes ranging from about 500 to 5,000 metres, at speeds between 550 and 1,100 kilometres per hour. Further actions are controlled by the bomb's advanced electronic systems, so the pilot does not have to oversee the flight after the drop, a method referred to as "drop and forget."
