Ukraine may receive an alternative to the GBU-39: Turkey has launched serial production of Tolun guided bombs
Kyiv • UNN
The Aselsan company has begun serial production of Tolun guided bombs with a range of over 100 km. These munitions could become an alternative to the American GBU-39 for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The Turkish company Aselsan has announced the start of mass production of the Tolun family of guided aerial bombs, which are analogs of the American GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb. This was reported by Defense Express, according to UNN.
Details
The publication notes that the launch of mass production of the Tolun is also important for Ukraine, as these munitions could theoretically become a replacement or supplement for the GBU-39 in the event of a reduction or cessation of American supplies. At the same time, Defense Express emphasizes that there are currently no signs of a halt in the transfer of GBU-39s to Ukraine.
According to Aselsan, Tolun aerial bombs have a mass ranging from 116 to 139 kg and an operational range of over 100 km, depending on launch conditions. In the base configuration, they are equipped with GPS and an inertial guidance system.
Turkey has created five versions of the Tolun at once
Among the modifications are the Tolun-P with a penetrating warhead capable of piercing up to a meter of reinforced concrete, the Tolun-F with a high-explosive warhead, and the Tolun-L with a laser homing head.
Separately highlighted is the Tolun-IIR version with an infrared homing head and the ability to change targets during flight. There is also the Tolun-EW—a variant with an electronic warfare system that can suppress radars and simulate aerial targets to breach air defenses.
Defense Express suggests that the Tolun could potentially be adapted not only for the F-16 and Turkish strike drones but also for Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s, as was previously done with the American GBU-39s.