The ISW explained the impact of Ukraine's new guided munitions on the situation at the front
On May 19, ISW analysts assessed how the introduction of Ukraine’s first guided aerial bomb could change the tactics used to strike Russian positions on the front lines. According to their findings, this new type of weapon has the potential to expand the Ukrainian forces’ ability to strike targets in deeper and more heavily defended areas, which will influence the nature of combat operations.
This is reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and Business Insider.
The new Ukrainian guided aerial bomb has been named “Vyryvnyk.” It was developed by members of the Brave1 defense hub over a period of 17 months.
- Warhead weight: 250 kilograms;
- It strikes targets tens of kilometers away after release;
- can be used in any weather and at any time of day;
- preparation for deployment takes no more than 30 minutes.
The weapon is equipped with modern guidance algorithms and is compatible with existing Ukrainian aircraft and systems. It can be launched from F-16s and Mirage jets, though this requires additional certification.
“This is not a copy of Western or Soviet solutions, but an in-house development by Ukrainian engineers for effectively striking targets tens of kilometers deep after launch,” said Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s Minister of Digital Transformation.
“The ‘Leveler’ costs about one-third less than the American Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) kit,” a Brave1 representative said.
The ISW notes that these new capabilities will allow Ukrainian forces to expand their campaign to intercept Russian troops and equipment in the immediate and operational rear. Analysts emphasize that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are already successfully intercepting Russian logistics using drones, but the KAB enables them to strike fortified targets with a significantly larger warhead.
Russia has long employed similar tactics—using guided bombs with extended range to keep aircraft away from the front lines and Ukrainian air defense. Ukraine is likely to adopt this approach given its limited number of aircraft.
Previously, we wrote:
Ukrainian engineers have created the first domestically produced guided aerial bomb.
Ukraine is already producing its own long-range weapons, which are more effective than the limited number of TAURUS missiles that Germany could provide.
Experts have identified the most effective Western weapons for Ukraine in 2025
