Ukrainian MiG‑29s debut precise strike capabilities with US bombs
The first footage showing the simultaneous drop of eight GBU-39 SDB guided bombs by a Ukrainian MiG-29 aircraft has been released online. We explain how this is possible.
On the "Sinashnik" channel on Telegram, a video was posted showing the drop of eight GBU-39 SDB bombs by a MiG-29 aircraft, most likely belonging to the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The attack took place somewhere in the Zaporizhzhia region.
MiG-29 and "bomb packs" from the USA
Currently, Ukrainians primarily rely on their remaining military aircraft, particularly the MiG-29s, whose losses and spare parts demands have been largely covered by Poland and Slovakia.
These fighter jets, while capable of carrying a modest load of aerial bombs, are far from being specialized strike machines. In practice, the MiG-29 can carry a maximum of four bombs weighing slightly over 590 kilograms.
Meanwhile, the solution from the USA allows for carrying four smaller yet more precise bombs on a single pylon. This refers to the GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) introduced by the USAF in 2006. These small guided glide bombs weigh 125 kilograms and can be grouped into four sets using the BRU-61/A launcher while utilizing only one weapon suspension point, creating a "bomb pack." This enables attacking a very large number of targets in a single raid, which is actively utilized by Ukrainians.
GBU-39 SDB — a small bomb capable of penetrating almost a metre of concrete
Each SDB bomb contains a 93-kilogram warhead capable of penetrating even 89 centimetres of reinforced concrete, which is unattainable for artillery shells. Another operating mode includes an airburst providing a wide area of shrapnel impact.
Unfortunately, the guidance relies on a jammable tandem of satellite and inertial navigation. However, the GBU-39/B variant has a system based on a laser beam that provides full precision even in such conditions. This variant is not a "fire-and-forget" type of weapon; instead, it requires laser target illumination until impact.
These bombs are equipped with folding wings, allowing them to fly over distances of several dozen kilometres when dropped from great heights. This enables the aircraft carrying them to remain out of reach of short-range air defences.
