The UPAB-1500B-E gliding bomb. © Nikolai Novichkov
The KAB-1500LG-F-E guided bob unit. © Nikolai Novichkov
New Russian gliding bomb market: an opportunity for the Indian Air Force? By Nikolaï Novichkov and Dmitry Fediushko Russian defence industry has entered the international heavy gliding bomb market, a spokesperson for the country’s Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) told European Defence Review. “Previously KTRV was investing in the KAB-1500E family of guided bomb units (GBUs); at the same time, modern warfare requires cutting-edge GBUs to be employed against sensitive targets protected by sophisticated multi-layered air defence systems,” said the company representative.
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o this end, KTRV’s GNPP Region research-and-manufacturing company has developed the UPAB-1500B-E (‘E’ for Export-oriented, Eksportnaya) 1,500 kg-class gliding smart bomb that can carry out strikes at safe ranges.
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EDR | January/February 2020
The UPAB-1500B-E has already been introduced to the global arms market. The company has already signed export contracts for the delivery of the UPAB-1500B-E to foreign customers, with the shipping to be started next year. According to the manufacturer, the UPAB-