Ukraine unveils new guided bomb in combat formation tests

The Ukrainian armed forces are testing a new type of weapon—previously unknown to the public. The Ukrainians themselves published the footage showing a bomber flying with mysterious ammunition. The video shows a guided air bomb suspended under a Su-24M. The aircraft was accompanied by a second plane, flying right next to the Su-27UB bomber.

The Ukrainians regularly upgrade the equipment they use in their arsenal. In the past few weeks, a video appeared online showcasing a new use for popular drones in the conflict. The Ukrainian armed forces decided to equip drones with thermite, thus creating a flying flamethrower. The idea was quickly picked up by the Russians, who modified drones similarly.

However, we learn that tests of a completely new weapon, which has not been used on the front line before, are underway in Ukraine. "The bomber is performing a test flight to test a new guided air bomb," reads a post on the Ukrainian combat aviation channel on Telegram. The Ukrainians also note that the flight is carried out in combat formation "wing to wing." Right next to the Su-24M flies the Su-27UB.

But what is known about the new Ukrainian design? The portal Defense Express notes that one option is that the defenders are working on an equivalent to the Russian UMPK-guided bomb. Another possibility is that the mysterious Ukrainian weapon is equivalent to the French AASM Hammer.

Defense Express notes there is another possibility. It relates to recent reports suggesting that the USA is producing an ERAM rocket bomb for Ukraine, which has a range exceeding 450 kilometres. In the context of the third option, it is worth noting that not much information is available about this ammunition. However, it is known that the predicted production volume of ERAM bombs reaches up to 1,000 units per year.

Although the specifications of the new Ukrainian weapon remain a mystery, and no details are known that would somehow determine the bomb's utility in combat conditions, it is worth taking a closer look at the bomber carrying this ammunition.

The Su-24M, also known as the Fencer, is a Soviet tactical bomber designed to conduct combat missions in difficult weather conditions. This versatile aircraft played a key role in the USSR's armed forces and is still actively used by many countries worldwide, including Ukraine, which has adapted it to carry the new weapon.

The Sukhoi design bureau produced the Su-24 M, intended to replace older Soviet bomber models such as the Su-7 and Tu-16. Work on this model began in the early 1960s, with the prototype flight in 1967. The aircraft entered service in 1974, and its improved version, the Su-24M, appeared in the 1980s.

The Su-24M is characterized by its unique design, utilizing variable-geometry wing technology. This allows the aircraft to quickly adapt to various flight conditions, providing optimal aerodynamics and manoeuvrability. The bomber is powered by two AL-21F-3A engines, which enable it to reach a maximum speed of over 1,600 kilometres per hour.

The Su-24M is distinguished by a wide range of armaments, making it extremely versatile on the battlefield. Its primary weapon is a GSh-6-23 automatic cannon, calibre 23 mm, capable of firing 9,500 rounds per minute. Additionally, the aircraft can carry up to 8,200 kilograms of bombs, guided and unguided missiles, and air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles on ten hardpoints.

The aircraft is also equipped with advanced navigation and avionics systems, such as the PNS-24M side-looking radar, the Kaira-1 optoelectronic system, and self-defence systems, including flare and chaff dispensers. These systems allow the Su-24M to conduct precise attacks on ground targets even in difficult combat conditions.