The development, highlighted in a recent ISW study, points to an escalating involvement of Iran in the Ukraine conflict.
According to the ISW, Russian forces are increasingly employing glide bombs, notably modified FAB-500, KAB-500, and RPK-500 aerial bombs, in the Lyman and Kherson areas. These bombs are equipped with flight control surfaces for longer-range, accurate strikes, minimizing the risk to the attacking aircraft.
This information corresponds with statements from US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who confirmed Iran's role in supplying these glide bombs to Russia. However, it remains unclear whether Iran is providing just the components or fully assembled bombs.
The ISW also noted that Iran produces various glide bomb models, including the Ghaem, Sadid, Balaban, and Jasin, and has the capability to mount these on Shahed-131 and 136 drones, as well as on Russian Su-25 aircraft.
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Source: PAP