Laser weapons, advanced air defense systems, or strikes on carriers: effective strategies for neutralizing Russian guided aerial bombs.

Is it possible to destroy a guided aerial bomb in the air?

The strategies for combating guided aerial bombs (GABs) can vary. A GAB is a bomb with a specific flight range, so it can be targeted for destruction if detected by electronic reconnaissance means, but there is very little time for this, explains military expert Igor Koziy. Additionally, the carriers of GABs—aircraft—can also be destroyed.

When a GAB is destroyed, it simply explodes in the air, thus posing no threat. The exception is when the wing or fuselage to which the GAB is attached is destroyed, as it then falls like a regular bomb.

"However, it will pose a threat primarily to Russian military personnel because it will fall on Russian or occupied territory," Koziy clarified.

"Destroying an aerial bomb in flight is almost impossible, but it is feasible to eliminate a storage facility with those aerial bombs before they are mounted under the wings of aircraft, or at least target the airplanes that are the carriers of these aerial bombs during takeoff," said Lakiychuk.

He noted that the primary focus will be on targeting Russian airfields, ammunition depots, and manufacturing plants. Moreover, operations directly on the battlefield could enhance this effort by targeting carriers during takeoff. Furthermore, electronic warfare systems may potentially influence GAB carriers to divert from their combat routes.

According to military analyst Dmitry Snegirev, theoretically, it is possible to shoot down GABs in the air, but practically, it is not.

Modern technologies for combating GABs: the production of laser weapons

Koziy mentioned that he does not rule out more advanced technologies related to the production of laser weapons. However, he finds it difficult to assess how feasible this is—it's more likely a no than a yes.

"According to my information, the current effective range of laser weapons is 2.5 kilometers (the operational range of laser weapons. — Ed.). This is all that, for example, the U.S. Navy has managed to achieve. It is clear that the development of this weapon continues. To determine its current state, one would likely need access to state secrets of one country or another," he stated.

Meanwhile, GABs can be launched from various altitudes—5 to 10 kilometers. Specifically, this depends on where the enemy intends for the bomb to reach. It is also vital to consider the base on which the aerial bomb is created, Igor Koziy added.

Snegirev reported that even Israel has not yet deployed relevant developments.

"There have been reports of developments (of laser weapons. — Ed.) from the British side, but they pertain to systems for engaging drones. There are also air defense systems in Israel undergoing testing. However, I do not believe that such capabilities exist on the Ukrainian side," the analyst added.

Recall that on November 8, media reported that Russia began using GABs Grom-E1 with a range of up to 120 kilometers, which are being equipped on Su-30 and Su-34 aircraft to strike beyond the reach of most Ukrainian air defense systems.

On October 25, a representative of the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine, Vladislav Voloshin, stated that the Russian Armed Forces have upgraded GABs, resulting in an increased range. According to him, the bombs can hit targets at distances exceeding 30 kilometers.