Forbes: Ukraine’s Su-27 jets launch US glide bombs deep into Russian territory

Ukrainian Air Force Su-27s are conducting precision strikes against Russian targets using American GBU-39 smart bombs, demonstrating successful integration of Western weapons with Soviet-era aircraft.

Dec 15, 2024 - 17:00

Forbes: Ukraine’s Su-27 jets launch US glide bombs deep into Russian territory

Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft equipped with American GBU-39 glide bombs deliver precise strikes on key Russian targets, such as pontoon bridges and command centers within Russian territory, according to Forbes.

As of December 2024, the Ukrainian Air Force has been utilizing a mix of Soviet-era and Western-supplied aircraft to enhance its operational capabilities amid Russia’s war. Key aircraft in Ukraine’s arsenal include MiG-29, Su-27, and F-16.

In a rare video, a Su-27 is seen releasing four bombs from a single underwing pylon. The aircraft employs a low-altitude approach followed by a rapid climb before the drop, which helps it evade Russian air defenses.

The GPS-guided GBU-39, with its deployable wings, can glide over 95 kilometers, allowing a Su-27 to strike from a safe distance. However, these missions require the aircraft to fly low to avoid radar detection, only ascending briefly to release the bombs for maximum range.

Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets dropped four US-made GBU-39 glide bombs on Russian positions in Kursk Oblast
As a result, the Russian pontoon river crossing was damaged

Tags: