Russian Glide Bombs Strike Zaporizhzhia, Killing Two and Wounding 15

Russian glide bombs killed two people and injured at least 15 others in an attack on Zaporizhzhia on Tuesday, regional authorities said. Regional authorities stated that Russian forces launched seven bombs over a 90-minute period. The strikes reflect a broader shift in the conflict.

Both sides have turned to glide bombs after drones destroyed large numbers of howitzers, limiting traditional artillery. Russia began the war with 2,433 howitzers and Ukraine with 1,176, according to Military Balance. Oryx has visually confirmed the destruction of 1,716 Russian artillery pieces and 1,011 Ukrainian pieces.

Russia has converted Soviet-era bombs into glide weapons fitted with the Universal Gliding and Correction Module. The bombs, which include FAB-250, FAB-500, FAB-1500 and FAB-3000 models, are released from Su-34, Su-35 and Su-30 aircraft and glide 60 to 95 km.

Russia launched more than 1,800 glide bombs in the first week of June alone. Russia has upgraded its kits with jamming-resistant navigation and extended range.

Ukraine announced its own glide bomb in May after 17 months of development under the Brave1 initiative. The Vyrivniuvach, produced by DG Industry, weighs 250 kg. It was first used in combat on June 23 from a MiG-28. Ukraine has also received GBU-62 JDAM-ER bombs from the United States, AASM Hammer bombs from France and Rusty Dagger bombs from the United States.

Ukraine is producing bomb bodies domestically to increase output. " — Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, May 2026 Both countries have posted videos of glide-bomb strikes supporting tactical operations. A Russian Ministry of Defense video from June 8 shows a Su-34 releasing glide bombs.

A June 7 Russian video claims a FAB-500 destroyed a UAV command post near Novopavlovka. The weapons deliver larger explosive yields than drones or mortars while allowing aircraft to remain outside most air-defense ranges.