Ukraine is preparing to use new American long-range missiles to strike strategic points of Russia behind enemy lines. These include recently acquired small-diameter ground-based bombs (GLSDB), created by Boeing and Saab, which should soon enter combat operations, Kyiv Independent reports.

Although the GLSDB has a modest warhead of less than 20 kilograms, it stands out with a firing range of 150 kilometers and the ability to strike from different angles. These characteristics allow it to hit critical targets behind enemy lines, providing a more cost-effective and more accurate alternative to expensive Western missiles.

According to a Politico report, the first batch of GLSDB should arrive in Ukraine on January 31. The United States has committed to providing the weapon as early as February 2023, and the Pentagon has confirmed the upcoming delivery without providing details on the timing, citing operational security considerations.

What are small-diameter ground-launched bombs?

The GLSDB is a combination of a 100-plus kilogram guided bomb and an M26 missile, both of which have been used separately for decades. Ukraine will be the first country to use this combined form in combat operations.

During launch, the motor accelerates the munition and it falls, and the missile glides towards the target, having a GPS navigation system with an accuracy of one meter.

These bombs can be launched from existing platforms on Ukrainian equipment, such as the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Missile System) and the M270 multiple-launch missile system, or from their own launchers disguised as shipping containers. (in full on Kyiv Independent)