Russia is purportedly pursuing a major increase in the development of advanced glide bombs, with plans to produce up to 500 improved units capable of engaging targets at ranges of up to 200 kilometers by the end of 2025. This development signifies a notable advancement in Russia’s aerial assault capabilities and presents new challenges for air defense systems in Ukraine and potentially in other regions.
Russia’s Glide Bomb Production Surge
According to statements from Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, Russia intends to manufacture approximately 120,000 guided and unguided glide bombs in 2025, comprising the latest version of long-range variants. Of particular Ukrainian concern are approximately 500 advanced bombs with a reported strike range of up to 200 kilometers, designed to enable Russian aircraft to conduct assaults from a considerable distance beyond the reach of most Ukrainian air defense systems. This expansion is facilitated by the continuous mobilization of Russia’s defense industry, which has been operating tirelessly since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
In late October 2025, initial reports surfaced about the production and deployment of the new explosives. According to reports, Ukrainian military targets in Dnipro and other deeply located areas are now within the operational range of these bombs. Ukrainian authorities suggest that this level of production, in conjunction with continuous drone manufacturing, may facilitate an ongoing escalation of Russian air and missile attacks throughout Ukrainian territory.
Technical Design: UMPB-5R Glide Bomb and UMPC Kits
Currently, available information indicates the existence of two main categories of new Russian glide bombs in development and production: the UMPB-5R and bombs equipped with upgraded UMPC (Universal Glide & Correction Module) modules.
UMPB-5R: Jet-Propelled Glide Bomb
Based on available imagery of debris and analysis conducted by Ukrainian sources, the UMPB-5R is a large, air-dropped weapon equipped with a Chinese-manufactured Swiwin SW800Pro-Y turbojet engine. This type of engine, which has been used in large drones and cruise missiles before, allows the bomb to glide while being propelled, greatly increasing its range compared to older Russian glide bombs and enabling it to travel up to 200 kilometers in the best conditions. The SW800Pro-Y is a lightweight engine that delivers approximately 80 kilogram-force (approximately 785 Newtons) of thrust and operates using standard kerosene or diesel fuel. Similar engines have also been identified on the S8000 “Banderol” cruise missile, indicating a wider Russian trend of modifying commercially accessible technology for military applications.
UMPC and its Aerodynamic Improvements
The alternative to the jet-powered variant involves a further enhancement of the UMPC module, a guidance and gliding kit that can be mounted onto standard gravity explosives, such as the FAB-500T. Recent modifications, as reported by sources within the Russian defense community, included aerodynamic improvements—in particular, redesigned tail sections and enlarged wings—enabling these explosives to possibly attain ranges exceeding 100 kilometers. Although explosives equipped with UMPC lack independent propulsion, their aerodynamic improvements optimize their standoff launch capability when released at high velocity and altitude from strike aircraft such as the Su-34. Sources also indicate the implementation of more sophisticated, electronic-warfare resistant guidance systems, such as the Kometa-M24, to ensure accuracy despite GPS interference.
Range Projections and Associated Uncertainties
Although the publicly disclosed range extends to approximately 200 kilometers, accurate data regarding the operational deployment of these weapons continues to be the subject of intelligence assessments. It remains unclear whether all production figures cited by Ukrainian intelligence pertain exclusively to the UMPB-5R, the enhanced UMPC bombs, or to both varieties combined. Recent analyses of Russian attacks show that while UMPC-enhanced explosives can reach almost 100 kilometers, the 200-kilometer range for the UMPB-5R is mostly based on technical estimates and not much real-world evidence.
Russian sources underscore the continuous research and suggest that further propulsion enhancements could theoretically extend ranges to 400 kilometers. Currently, existing UMPC kits considerably enhance range relative to earlier Russian aerial explosives, but only the jet-powered UMPB-5R seems technically capable of achieving the extreme distances claimed by Ukrainian officials.
Strategic and Tactical Considerations
The widespread deployment of 500 long-range glide bombs into Russian service by late 2025 has sizable operational implications for the air campaign over Ukraine and potentially for other theaters. These munitions enable Russian strike fighters to operate from significantly safer standoff positions, executing attacks without penetrating the vulnerable airspace protected by Ukrainian anti-aircraft defenses. This improves the survivability of critical Russian aircraft, including the Su-34 and Su-35, while further complicating the operational challenges encountered by Ukrainian air defense personnel.
Furthermore, the versatility of the UMPC module—enabling the transformation of ordnance from extensive Soviet-era stockpiles into precision-guided, standoff weapons—permits Russia to pursue large-scale, cost-efficient mass production. The integration of concentrated, cost-effective, and precise glide explosives, drones, and conventional cruise missiles has allowed Russia to maintain ongoing pressure on Ukrainian infrastructure, military, and civilian targets, aiming to disrupt logistics, rear-area troop concentrations, and morale.
Technical and Supply Chain Aspects
A key factor is the dependence on commercially produced Chinese engines in the development of Russian gliding bombs. This indicates Russia’s pragmatic strategy in procuring essential components amidst wartime restrictions and industrial constraints. As these developments progress, breakthroughs in weapon design and supply chain management are likely to enable Russia’s military-industrial complex to continue adapting and overcoming material shortages.
Broader Context: The Development of Russia’s Airstrike Doctrine
The increase in production and development of these glide weapons is not happening in isolation. Russian military strategists are adopting a comprehensive doctrine of standoff warfare, incorporating unmanned systems, decoys, and electronic warfare alongside advanced weapon technology. Ukrainian analysts warn that improvements like better navigation systems that resist jamming and larger warheads will allow the Russian Air Force to carry out flexible attacks on a wide range of targets, even in well-protected areas.
Final Remarks
By the end of 2025, Russia’s initiative to deploy as many as 500 long-range glide munitions with ranges extending up to 200 kilometers is poised to considerably transform the landscape of air combat over Ukraine. This development uses both indigenous adaptations and foreign-sourced technologies, exemplifying a targeted approach to the changing threat landscape. Even though there are still questions about how well these weapons will perform over long distances, the fast growth in the number and advanced features of Russian precision standoff weapons will require Ukraine and its allies to come up with new air defense and counterattack plans as these types of bombs become more common.