Ukraine’s 160-km bomb from Boeing ready for deployment: Sources

After a successful trial in the U.S., Ukraine is about to receive its first large delivery of long-range missiles made by Boeing

Following successful testing in the U.S., Ukraine is set to imminently receive its initial substantial shipment of extended-range missiles manufactured by Boeing (BA.N), which are designed to penetrate deep into Russian-held territory, as per sources familiar with the situation.

According to media company Politico, these missiles could be deployed “on the battlefield” as early as Wednesday. 

Ukraine requires Boeing’s Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to supplement the limited supply of 160-kilometer (99-mile) range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) rockets provided by the U.S. The introduction of these glide bombs will empower Ukraine’s military to strike targets at double the distance achievable by the current rockets launched from the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), potentially compelling Russia to relocate supplies even farther from the front lines. 

The newly constructed GLSDB was tested on Jan. 16 at the Eglin Air Force Base test range in Florida, as confirmed by an individual familiar with the test and two briefed sources who spoke to Politico. This successful testing has paved the way for shipments to commence. The sources briefed on the test revealed that six rockets were fired during an early morning test over the Gulf of Mexico. 

The strategy involved the transfer of launchers and numerous warheads to Ukraine via air transport, according to the individual familiar with the test and one of the briefed sources. The delivery timing and subsequent deployment have been kept confidential to maintain the element of surprise. A spokesperson from the Pentagon declined to provide any comments. 

For the Biden administration, the decision to supply the GLSDB to Ukraine serves as an alternative to the ATACMS missile, which has been supplied only in limited quantities thus far. Ukraine’s stock of ATACMS has been depleted due to usage. Although the new glide bombs are not as potent, they are considerably more cost-effective, compact, and easier to deploy compared to ATACMS, rendering them well-suited for many of Ukraine’s objectives, including disrupting Russian operations and gaining a tactical advantage. 

Tom Karako, a weapons and security expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasized the necessity of exploring innovative methods to provide the capability and capacity required to strike deep and frequently behind Russian lines. 

When Boeing proposed the weapon to military leaders last year, they offered an “expedited nine-month option” for delivery. This necessitated exempting the contractor from an extensive review process to ensure the Pentagon secured the best possible deal. The Pentagon publicly announced that funding was approved in February, and a contract for production initiation was signed the following month, according to U.S. officials who spoke to Reuters. Due to the prior payment for GLSDB, the weapon can circumvent the recent Congressional funding dispute concerning ongoing weapons shipments to Ukraine. 

Boeing, the primary contractor for the weapon, did not respond to a request for comment. 

Source:Newsroom