Russian Jamming Impairs Ukraine’s Long-Range Glide Bomb

Russian jamming has posed a significant challenge for Ukraine’s military as they attempt to target key Russian supply lines and muster points. The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), developed by Boeing Co with a range of 100 miles, was intended to provide Ukraine with a longer reach than the U.S.-provided GMLRS rockets.

However, the GLSDB’s navigation system has been targeted by Russian jamming, preventing the bombs from hitting their intended targets. While Boeing has claimed that the weapon can defeat some jamming, it may take months to fix the issue.

Ukraine has been using GLSDBs since earlier this year, but experts have noted that they have not performed well on the battlefield due to the jamming. In addition to the GLSDBs, Ukraine has also been utilizing short and long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) with a range of up to 180 miles.

Jamming on the battlefield in Ukraine has become a reality, with various weapon systems having to contend with these countermeasures. Despite the challenges posed by Russian jamming, experts believe that the utility of long-range fires will persist, whether through technical upgrades or alternative methods of employment.

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to highlight the evolving tactics and technologies used in modern warfare, with both sides adapting to the changing battlefield landscape.