Ukraine to receive US-made 'glide bombs'
UKRAINE - Ukraine is set to receive a first batch of new long-range missiles that will be able to strike deep into Russian-held territory.
The new 100-mile ‘glide missiles’ could prove to be a game changer in Kyiv’s military capabilities and in its fight against Vladimir Putin’s invading forces.
Missiles
Built by Boeing and Saab, the new precision-guided missiles will also supplement Ukraine’s existing ATACM rockets, which are provided by the US.
Their arrival follows months of testing by the United States military, but even the US doesn’t have these weapons in its arsenal, sources cited by Politico said.
Ukraine is set to receive the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs as early as today, according to the US officials familiar with the matter, a relief for officials in Kyiv after the EU said it would provide only half the shells it promised by March.
In a CGI video demonstrating the weapon, the missiles are seen being launched vertically into the air from the back of a green military truck.
Spreads
Once at glide height, the warhead detaches from the initial propulsion system and spreads small wings, which guide it towards the target.
In the CGI video, a series of trucks are then seen driving over a bridge.
These are then shown being struck one by one as the missiles slam down vertically into them, busting into huge balls of flame.
A non-CGI demonstration is also shown in the video, showing the system in more detail, along with annotations of its key components.
All four people who spoke to Politico chose to remain anonymous in discussing the delivery ahead of an official announcement, the outlet reported.