Guided Aerial Bombs Emerge as Major Threat in Russian Attack Campaign

Among the weapons Russia deployed against Ukraine, guided aerial bombs represent a particularly concerning threat. President Zelenskyy reported that Russia used 1,100 guided aerial bombs in one week—a staggering number that highlights the evolution of Russian attack methods.
Guided aerial bombs combine the destructive power of traditional bombs with precision guidance systems. This combination allows Russia to strike specific targets with greater accuracy while deploying weapons from aircraft operating beyond the range of many Ukrainian air defenses. The technology provides tactical advantages over unguided munitions.
The extensive use of these weapons—over 1,100 in seven days—demonstrates Russia’s industrial capacity and willingness to expend expensive precision munitions on sustained campaigns. The deployment rate suggests Russia maintains substantial stockpiles or production capacity, allowing continued operations at this intensity without apparent supply constraints.
Ukrainian air defense systems face challenges intercepting guided bombs compared to cruise missiles or drones. The bombs’ flight profiles and speeds differ from other threats, requiring different defensive approaches. This creates gaps in Ukraine’s defensive coverage that Russia exploits through sustained bomb campaigns against military and civilian targets.
President Zelenskyy’s emphasis on needing air defense systems reflects awareness of this threat. While negotiations proceed in Florida and prepare to move to Moscow, Russian guided bomb attacks continue damaging Ukrainian infrastructure and causing casualties. Any peace agreement must address not just current attacks but also ensure Ukraine maintains capabilities to deter or defend against future threats.