The Russians dropped a record number of guided bombs in August
In August 2026, there were 7,115 combat engagements on the front lines—an average of nearly 230 battles per day. During that same month, the Russian Air Force dropped 8,766 guided bombs—the highest number since the start of the full-scale war.
August remained one of the fiercest months on the front lines. According to the General Staff, 7,115 combat engagements took place over the course of 31 days. If you divide this number by the total number of days in the month, it comes out to nearly 230 battles every day. In other words, on average, a combat engagement took place roughly every few minutes when counting the entire 24-hour period.
The high intensity of fighting persisted along the entire front line. The Ministry of Defense noted that in terms of the scale of firepower, August remained on par with the most intense months of 2026. In addition to combat engagements, Russian troops carried out more than 98,000 shelling attacks over the course of the month.
This shows that the intensity of hostilities is not measured solely by the number of assaults. The Russian army continues to actively use artillery, aviation, and other weapons against Ukrainian positions.
Russia Set a Record for the Number of Guided Bombs
Separately, the General Staff highlighted the Russian Air Force’s use of guided bombs. Throughout August, Russian aircraft dropped 8,766 guided bombs. According to Ukrainian military leadership, this is the largest number of such bombs that Russia has used since the start of the full-scale invasion.
By comparison, in June the Russian army used 8,266 guided bombs, and in July—more than 8,300. In other words, the Russian Air Force did not merely maintain a high tempo of strikes. In August, the number of guided bombs used increased even further.
Guided bombs pose a serious threat to Ukrainian military personnel and settlements near the front lines. They are launched from aircraft, after which the bombs can adjust their flight path and strike targets at a considerable distance from the launch site.
Why Guided Bombs Remain a Problem
One of the main advantages of guided bombs for the Russian military is the ability to strike targets without bringing the aircraft directly over them. Russian aircraft can remain at a distance from Ukrainian positions and launch guided munitions from a safer zone. The bomb then flies toward the designated target and adjusts its trajectory.
Due to the large number of such strikes, Ukrainian troops constantly face the risk of powerful explosions. Guided munitions are used to strike fortifications, positions, industrial facilities, and other targets. That is precisely why countering Russian tactical aviation remains one of Ukraine’s key challenges.
Ukraine Awaits the Gripen
The Ministry of Defense reiterated that Ukraine is awaiting the first batch of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. Along with the aircraft, long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles are expected to be delivered. These fighter jets are expected to enhance the capabilities of the Ukrainian Air Force. In particular, they can help counter Russian aviation and reduce the threat posed by guided bombs.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to actively use its air force. The August figure of 8,766 guided aerial bombs was yet another indication of the scale of this deployment. Thus, August 2026 became one of the most intense months on the front lines. More than 7,100 engagements, over 98,000 shelling incidents, and a record 8,766 guided aerial bombs demonstrate just how intense the fighting remains. This is evidenced by data from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which was released by the Ministry of Defense.
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