The GLSDB system. Source: Saab Group
The United States will resupply Ukraine with Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB), after they were upgraded to better counter Russian electronic warfare, Reuters reported on March 14, citing two sources familiar with the weapon.
The GLSDB, which was developed by American Boeing and Swedish Saab Group, combines the 129-kilogram GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), which is guided by a GPS-aided inertial navigation system, with the M26 227 mm rocket motor. It has a range of up to 150 kilometers.
The SDB has been in service for around 18 years. The GLSDBs are not however currently used by the U.S. military. Ukraine was the first to use it in real combat conditions last year.
The weapon performed very poorly due to a combination of mud, technical problems and Russian electronic warfare, according to U.S. officials.
Some 19 upgraded GLSDBs were test-fired in recent weeks to assess their effectiveness, Reuters’ sources said, adding that the modifications involved reinforcing connections within the weapon to enhance its resilience.
The news agency noted that the first use of the upgraded weapon could occur in the coming days, as a stockpile is already present in Europe.
The bombs will arrive amid reports that Ukraine’s supply of American-made ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles has been depleted.
Earlier this week, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced after talks with the Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia that the U.S. would resume aid transfers to Ukraine. The joint declaration following the meeting also states that Ukraine has expressed its readiness for a 30-day ceasefire.
Upgrading the GLSDB does not necessarily mean that the weapon will be more effective as the Russian army is also constantly working to upgrade and improve its electronic warfare means.
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