Ukraine's first guided aerial bomb Vyrivniuvach costs three times less than US JDAM-ER systems – video
Ukraine's domestically developed guided aerial bomb costs around three times less than American Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range (JDAM-ER) kits.
Source: a report by Business Insider, citing data from the manufacturer provided through the Brave1 defence tech cluster
Details: The report also disclosed for the first time the name of the bomb – Vyrivniuvach ("Equaliser") – and its developer, DG Industry.
Quote: "The Vyrivniuvach costs approximately three times less than the US-made Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range, which Ukraine also has in its arsenal."
Details: JDAM-ER kits consist of wings and guidance systems that convert conventional aerial bombs into long-range precision glide munitions.
According to the report, development of the system took nearly a year and a half. Brave1 told Business Insider that the bomb had already passed all the necessary tests and was ready for combat use.
The Vyrivniuvach is equipped with a 250 kg warhead and is intended for striking targets deep behind enemy lines. Brave1 stressed that the system had been created from scratch rather than copied from Western or Soviet systems.
A Brave1 representative said the bomb is compatible with Ukrainian aircraft and weapons systems and could also be deployed from General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon and Dassault Mirage 2000 jets following additional certification.
The Vyrivniuvach also features modern guidance algorithms designed to improve strike accuracy. According to the developers, the bomb can be used regardless of weather conditions or time of day, while preparation for use takes up to 30 minutes.
The original report noted that Russia is actively using similar glide bombs, retrofitting Soviet-era aerial bombs with wings and guidance systems for strikes launched outside the range of Ukrainian air defences. Russia has reportedly developed separate models weighing up to 3,000 kg, capable of devastating large areas, and continues expanding their production.
The article added that glide bombs are difficult to intercept due to their low radar visibility, short flight time and launch distance outside air defence engagement zones.
Background: On 18 May, Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that Ukrainian pilots were currently rehearsing combat scenarios and adapting the new weapons system for use in real wartime conditions, adding that Ukrainian glide bombs will soon strike Russian targets.
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