It was reported on March 8, 2024, that the Russian armed forces have introduced a new kind of precision-guided munition, marking a notable advancement in their military capabilities. The revelation came to light through photographs shared on the Telegram account of an officer in the Ukrainian armed forces. The images showcased the adaptation of the Soviet-era FAB-250, a 250-kilogram (550 lb) general-purpose bomb, into a more sophisticated and longer-range guided weapon.
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The new Russian conversion turns the FAB-250 bomb into a guided weapon. (Picture source Telegram)
Dubbed the UMPB (Universal’nyy Mezhvidovoy Planiruyushchiy Boyepripas), this latest munition enhancement involves the retrofitting of traditional glide bombs with engines, significantly extending their operational range. This development represents a strategic advancement in aerial bombardment technology, potentially altering the dynamics of aerial warfare.
According to the details disclosed, the newly engineered bomb is equipped with GNSS/INS guidance technology, incorporating an 8-channel Kometa navigation board. Notably, the equipment carries a production date of February 2024, indicating its recent introduction into the Russian arsenal. The UMPB designation sets it apart from the UMPK labels commonly associated with Russian glide bombs, signifying a new category of munition.
The UMPB integrates the explosive payload of the FAB-250 bomb directly into the module's structure. It features a comprehensive navigation system combining inertial and satellite tracking, controlled by a comet-shaped device with eight antennas. Additionally, the munition is equipped with a tail system of ailerons and rudders for maneuverability. The presence of an external turbojet engine and a fuel tank suggests significant enhancements in range and precision over its predecessors.
The conversion of the FAB-250 bomb into a guided munition by Russia, as detailed in the recent reports, mirrors similar technological advancements pursued by Western militaries, particularly in Europe and the United States. These countries have long been at the forefront of developing precision-guided munition (PGM) technology to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of their air-delivered weapons.
One of the closest parallels in the West to Russia's UMPB is the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) program by the United States. The JDAM is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs," into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM kits equip bombs with an inertial guidance system and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, allowing for high-precision targeting. The system can be used with a variety of bombs weighing from 500 to 2,000 pounds, significantly enhancing their accuracy and reducing the risk of collateral damage.
In Europe, similar advancements have been made. For example, the UK's Brimstone missile is a low-collateral, high-precision strike weapon that is radar-guided and capable of engaging a wide range of targets, including fast-moving vehicles. Another example is the AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) "Hammer" missile by France, a family of modular air-to-ground weapons that combine GPS guidance with infrared homing or laser guidance, making them highly effective against fixed and moving targets.
These Western technologies share the core concept with Russia's newly developed UMPB: enhancing the accuracy and range of traditional munitions through the integration of guidance systems. This convergence in military technology development reflects an overarching global trend towards minimizing collateral damage while maximizing mission effectiveness in combat operations. The adaptation of existing ordnance into precision-guided weapons underscores the continuing evolution of warfare tactics and the increasing importance of precision in modern military strategies.
The FAB-250 is a Soviet-made 250 kg air-dropped bomb fitted with a high-explosive warhead, (Russian Blog)
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