The Russian Defence Ministry has uploaded a video to its Telegram channel that comprehensively demonstrates the planning and deployment of an FAB-3000 aerial weapon equipped with a universal planning and correction module (UMPK) meant for precision strikes.
The Su-34 fighter-bomber crew effectively executed a combat mission by destroying a substantial FAB-3000 aerial bomb at a temporary deployment point of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) in the Russian North troop group’s area of responsibility. The UMPK was employed to execute the strike. According to a statement from the defense ministry, the crew safely returned to the airbase after completing the mission.
The FAB-3000’s new modification is a bigger and denser product than the FAB-500 and FAB-1500. To enhance aerodynamic performance, the bomb body is additionally supplied with a nose fairing. This enhancement improves the precision and efficacy of striking designated targets.
The FAB-3000’s combat capability was underscored by the Su-34 pilot, who stated that it is difficult to envision a target that an aerial bomb of this magnitude could not strike. Simultaneously, certain Ukrainian Telegram channels contend that using three-ton bombs is illogical, as the Su-34 is limited to carrying a single such weapon per combat mission or three bombs weighing 1,500kg each, which are significantly more effective.
The accuracy of the FAB-3000 with UMPK is significantly enhanced as seen in videos of the Russian Defence Ministry’s use of this munition. The FAB-3000’s deviation from the target, which was approximately 35-50 meters, was evident in one of the initial videos released by the military at the end of June. Improvements to the bomb’s aerodynamic rudder controllers and the algorithm for interacting with the GLONASS/GPS radio navigation module reduced the potential deviation to 10-15 meters and subsequently to 3-5 meters. This is demonstrated in the latest video.
The FAB-3000’s extensive kill radius serves as a confirmation of its potent, high-explosive capability. Reinforced concrete slabs and substantial metal structures are obliterated within a 25-35 meter radius of the explosion’s epicenter. Light-armored vehicles can be struck by shrapnel at a distance of 80-120 meters, and the full lethal effect on enemy personnel is attained at a distance of up to 45 meters.
The command headquarters of the 1st mechanized battalion of the 41st separate mechanized brigade of the AFU near the village of Novgorodskoye was rendered inoperable by the high-precision strike of a planned guided modification of the FAB-3000, which was mounted with a UMPK kit. The devastation of Ukranian fortifications was facilitated by the use of a bomb with an explosive weight exceeding 1,300 kg and three fuses.
Nonetheless, the appearance in the Ukrainian arsenal of more than 20 divisions of Patriot SAMs and 8-10 SAMP-Ts, given the mutual overlap of blind spots over radars, can significantly reduce the effectiveness of heavy bombs until massive strikes by Geranium-type UAVs and missiles totally neutralize these divisions.
