Nowhere to Hide: A Rundown of the Russian Bombs Being Dropped on ISIL
During the ongoing air operation in Syria, Russia is using a whole array of bombs and missiles equipped with sophisticated guidance systems, according to media reports.
A wide range of missiles and bombs equipped with advanced guidance systems are currently being used by Russia in its air campaign against Islamic State militants in Syria.
During precision airstrikes, Russian weaponry is launched from high altitudes to evade mobile air-defense systems.
The precision bombs typically use the GLONASS navigation system to destroy targets, the Russian developed alternative to GPS, whereas missiles are guided by a weapons system operator
© Sputnik/ Dmitriy Vinogradov
KAB-500S
The precision weapons include is the KAB guided bomb, which includes two modifications such as KAB-250 and KAB-500.The KAB-250 bomb was designed in the 2000s for the Russian fifth generation PAK-FA fighter jet. Its distinctive egg-shaped form can be explained by the fact that this bomb is mounted in inside the plane's bays.
© Wikipedia/ Allocer
KAB-500OD
The bomb is also used by advanced Russian warplanes, including the Su-34 bombers, which are currently taking part in the air operation in Syria. The aircraft drop these bombs on Islamic State targets from an altitude of 5,000 meters.
© Wikipedia/ KGyST
Kh-29L
As far as laser-guided missiles in use in Syria are concerned, they differ in ammunition power and include laser-guided versions of the Kh-25L and Kh-29L.
© Sputnik/ Dmitriy Vinogradov
Kh-25ML
The Russian ground-support fighter jets Su-24 and Su-25 also use non-guided air bombs in Syria, where a sophisticated targeting system helps pilots to plant bombs with total accuracy.
Additionally, special bunker-busting BETAB-500 air bombs are used in Syria to eliminate Islamic State command centers, which are multilevel underground bunkers made of reinforced concrete.
The concrete-piercing BETAB-500 bombs are equipped with a jet booster, which allows the bombs to completely destroy any underground installation.
Also being dropped on Islamic State militants in Syria are the fragmentation and demolition air bombs OFAB-250, which are specifically used to destroy unprotected targets, including enemy arms depots and training camps.
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Nowhere to Hide: A Rundown of the Russian Bombs Being Dropped on ISIL