Ukraine has already created its own guided aerial bombs of two types, which are ready for combat use and allow for strikes at a range of over 100 kilometers without entering the Russian air defense zone. At the same time, this is not about copying Russian KABs, but about a completely Ukrainian solution. This was stated in an interview with UNN by defense industry expert and head of an arms manufacturing company, Anatolii Khrapchynskyi.
Ukraine has created its own KABs
Following the statement by Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov regarding the creation of a Ukrainian guided aerial bomb with a 250-kilogram warhead, the topic of Ukrainian KABs has effectively entered the public sphere for the first time. According to Anatolii Khrapchynskyi, Ukraine already has its own solutions in this direction, specifically in two variants.
Let's start with the global picture. Today, Ukraine is already capable of creating two types of guided aerial bombs using its own capacities — both without jet propulsion and with jet propulsion. That is, we are talking about either a free-fall aerial bomb with a conditional UMPK module — a universal planning and correction module — or a version with its own jet propulsion unit. And the main thing to emphasize: this is not reverse engineering of Russian solutions. This is a full-fledged Ukrainian development created by Ukrainian engineers — with its own engines, its own technologies, and its own system architecture
According to him, the emergence of Ukrainian KABs is a logical continuation of the development of domestic weaponry, which Ukraine is actively creating under wartime conditions.
We have already seen how Ukraine was able to scale the production of long-range drones and how the emergence of domestic unmanned systems changed the situation at the front. A similar process is now taking place in the direction of guided aerial bombs. Ukrainian engineers managed to create a high-quality module that allows the use of aerial bombs at a range of over 100 kilometers. And this already significantly changes the capabilities of Ukrainian aviation
Khrapchynskyi specifically emphasized that the emergence of Ukrainian KABs is not just a matter of a separate type of weapon, but a general change in Ukraine's approach to warfare. According to him, the Ukrainian defense industry is gradually moving from dependence on individual Western deliveries to creating its own mass solutions that can realistically influence the situation at the front.
Let's remember that most heavy equipment on the line of combat contact began to disappear en masse precisely after Ukraine scaled up the use of its own drones. Not because of individual Western systems or single deliveries of equipment. Because when partners transfer missiles or weapons, it is mostly dozens or units, not hundreds of thousands. Instead, it is the mass production of domestic weaponry that allows for a real change in the situation on the battlefield. And now a similar process may be occurring in the direction of guided aerial bombs. Ukrainian engineers have created their own module that allows for operation at a long distance, and this significantly expands the capabilities of Ukrainian aviation
The expert also compared Ukrainian developments with Western aviation systems that Ukraine receives from partners. According to him, the main problem with imported weaponry is the limited volume of deliveries, whereas domestic production allows for the scaling of the use of such means.
When the United States transfers JDAMs to Ukraine, and France transfers AASM Hammers, it is undoubtedly important assistance. But it should be understood that we are talking mainly about limited volumes — units or dozens of products, not mass production. In contrast, domestic developments open up the possibility of scaling. And it is the mass production of Ukrainian weaponry today that is becoming one of the key factors capable of changing the situation at the front
Why KABs are needed
Khrapchynskyi emphasizes that the main advantage of guided aerial bombs is the ability to strike targets without entering the dangerous zone of Russian air defense. This, according to him, made Russian KABs one of the main problems at the front in 2024–2025.
To explain it as simply as possible, KABs allow for operation at a distance of over 100 kilometers. That is, the aircraft does not enter the area of responsibility of enemy air defense systems but drops the aerial bomb from a safe distance. Accordingly, this makes it possible to inflict significantly more damage on enemy positions without direct risk to aviation
"Russians erase cities, we work with precision"
The expert pointed out that Russia uses KABs en masse and often indiscriminately, destroying civilian infrastructure and entire cities. In contrast, Ukraine, according to him, uses a different approach.
Unfortunately, the Russians bombard our territory with KABs without any principle. They strike both civilian infrastructure and residential neighborhoods, effectively erasing cities from the face of the earth. This is the fundamental difference. We work with precision on important military targets
For now – only Soviet aircraft
Currently, Ukrainian KABs can be used from Soviet aircraft; however, technically they can also be integrated into Western fighters. The main problem, according to the expert, lies in the position of the partners.
As of today, Ukraine can use these means primarily from Soviet aircraft, as the pylons and mounting systems were originally designed specifically for Soviet aviation equipment. Regarding integration with the F-16 Fighting Falcon or Dassault Mirage 2000 — here the issue comes down to access to the technological part. Western partners do not provide full access to the system architecture, data exchange protocols (Data Link), or individual software components. That is why the integration of Ukrainian weaponry onto Western platforms remains a complex and technologically sensitive process
Ukraine can increase production
Commenting on the question of possible production scales for Ukrainian KABs, Khrapchynskyi stated that the domestic defense industry is capable of reaching "decent" volumes.
Given proper funding and production scaling, Ukrainian manufacturers already working in this direction are capable of reaching an output of over 400 units per month. And this is precisely one of those directions that can significantly strengthen Ukrainian capabilities at the front
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