"The first 250 kg glide bomb model from Brave1 is ready for combat deployment", Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on 18/5. Brave1 is a platform established by the Ukrainian government to promote domestic defense projects.

Developed by DG Industry, the bomb is named "Vyrivniuvach", which means "Equalizer" in Ukrainian. Fedorov stated that the bomb has passed all tests, is capable of accurately striking targets deep within enemy defenses, and was developed entirely by Ukraine, "without copying Western or Soviet systems".

Images show the bomb deployed from a Su-24 attack aircraft. The manufacturer stated that Vyrivniuvach is compatible with all Ukrainian aircraft, including Western-supplied F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, though further certification is required before equipping these combat aircraft.

"Pilots are rehearsing combat scenarios and adjusting the new weapon system for use in real combat conditions. Ukrainian glide bombs will soon strike enemy targets", Minister Fedorov said.

Brave1 did not specify a price, but stated that the Vyrivniuvach glide bomb costs nearly three times less than the US-made JDAM-ER guided bombs supplied to Ukraine. Vyrivniuvach can be deployed in all weather conditions, with pre-flight preparation taking no more than 30 minutes.

Ukrainian soldiers writing on a JDAM-ER glide bomb attached to a Su-27 fighter jet in 2023. *Photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense*

JDAM is a general term for conventional bombs converted into smart bombs by attaching a guidance kit, which includes a global positioning system (GPS) and a control system. This approach utilizes existing stockpiles of conventional bombs, avoiding the higher cost of manufacturing dedicated guided bombs.

The extended-range version, JDAM-ER, includes an inexpensive wing kit, increasing its flight range to over 65-80 km, about three times that of the original JDAM.

Both Russia and Ukraine use glide bombs. Kyiv currently relies heavily on US-supplied JDAM-ERs and French-made HAMMERs, provided by European allies.

*Pham Giang (According to Business Insider)*