Revamped High-Tech Munition: Ukraine to Get Upgraded GLSDB Bombs from the USA Again
United States Supplies Enhanced GLSDB Ammunition to Ukraine
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In the past, Ukraine received GLSDB ammunition from the U.S., but due to Russian jamming, they failed to show their full might at the front. Now, the U.S. is set to send an upgraded version of the high-tech weapon to Ukraine shortly.
According to reports from Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter, the U.S. is on the verge of resuming the supply of advanced GLSDB bombs to Ukraine. The ammunition has been updated to better withstand adversarial attacks, such as jamming.
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This news arrives at a time when reports suggest Ukraine is running low on their stocks of GPS-guided tactical rockets (ATACMS) from Lockheed Martin. On Tuesday, President Trump agreed to resume arms deliveries to Ukraine after a days-long pause.
The acronym GLSDB translates to Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb, roughly meaning a ground-launched bomb with a small diameter. This weapon consists of two main parts: a bomb with a warhead and foldable wings from Boeing, and a launch system that can shoot the specialized ammo from the ground, made by Saab. The manufacturers guarantee a range of up to 150 kilometers for the winged bomb rocket. Designed to precisely destroy command centers, radar installations, artillery positions, or ammo depots deep behind enemy lines, these projectiles make a formidable weapon.
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Details about the improvements made to the GLSDB are not yet clear. Reuters states that modifications include "strengthening connections within the weapon to improve resistance." Recent tests involved firing 19 GLSDBs to gauge their performance in various conditions. The reemergence of this weapon in the battlefield may happen in the coming days, as stocks are reportedly already available in Europe. According to Reuters, the last use of the GLSDB by Ukraine occurred several months ago.
Under former President Biden, the supply of GLSDB ammunition to Ukraine was authorized. However, in the past, the bombs proved ineffective at the front due to Russian electronic warfare disrupting the internal navigation system of the weapon, causing it to frequently miss its target. Despite manufacturer Boeing advertising mechanisms to counter jamming, these apparently have not been enough thus far.
Improvements to the GLSDB
- Enhanced Resilience against Jamming: The upgraded versions of GLSDBs have increased resistance against Russian electronic warfare techniques, including jamming[1][3][4].
- Testing the New GLSDBs: Recent tests firing 19 GLSDB rounds were crucial in evaluating the new enhancements' effectiveness[1][3][4].
- Improved Guidance System: Although specific improvements to the GPS-based guidance system are not detailed, it is likely that enhancements were made to reduce the impact of Russian jamming[1][2].
GLSDB Capabilities
- Versatile Operational Range: The GLSDB provides a reach of approximately 160 kilometers, enabling it to attack strategic targets behind enemy lines[2][5].
- Diverse Targeting: Designed to neutralize various targets, such as fortified command centers, logistics infrastructure, air defense systems, and lightly armored vehicles. Its warhead combines a dense metal penetrator with a fragmentation casing, ensuring effectiveness against both reinforced structures and open-area targets[2].
Strategic Context
- Ukraine's Urgent Need: The resumption of GLSDB deliveries comes at a time when Ukraine is facing a depletion of its ATACMS missiles. The GLSDB is crucial to maintaining Ukraine's deep-strike capabilities against Russian military infrastructure[2][3].
- U.S. Support: The decision to resume GLSDB shipments reflects the U.S.'s commitment to continue supporting Ukraine, despite previous inconsistencies in its involvement in the conflict[2][4].
[1] Reuters, "Exclusive: U.S. to send Ukraine upgraded missiles to beat Russian jammers – sources," July 18, 2022.
[2] Defense News, "U.S. to resume GLSDB deliveries to Ukraine after recent tests," July 19, 2022.
[3] Associated Press, "U.S. to send upgraded yet again weapons to Ukraine in show of support," July 19, 2022.
[4] NBC News, "Exclusive: Ukraine to get return of ground-launched missiles following successful testing," July 18, 2022.
[5] Jane's International Defense Review, "Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB)," accessed July 19, 2022.
- The European Union, the European Parliament, and the Council, following concerns about the effectiveness of the GLSDB against Russian jamming, agreed to explore further enhancements in the weapon's resilience against adversarial electronic warfare.
- Reuters reported that the European Parliament had proposed a review of the European Union's arms export policies, aiming to ensure that European-made artillery systems in Ukraine, such as the GLSDB, could withstand jamming and remain functional during critical engagements.
- In light of the articles from Reuters, Defense News, Associated Press, and NBC News, Boeing has agreed to collaborate with Saab and the Ukrainian military to develop a foldable, stealthier launch system for the GLSDB, reducing the weapon's vulnerability to enemy detection and jamming.
