Russia has begun using long-range, powered glide bombs known as KABs to strike residential areas deep inside Ukraine, marking a new escalation in its air campaign. For the first time, cities like Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Lozova—over 90 miles from the front—have been targeted, with recent attacks injuring civilians and destroying homes. The latest UMPB-5R variants, reportedly equipped with Chinese jet engines, can now reach up to 200 kilometers, allowing Russian aircraft to strike from beyond Ukrainian air defenses. Analysts say the adaptation highlights Moscow’s failure to gain air superiority and its need for cheaper cruise-missile alternatives. While these upgraded glide bombs expand Russia’s reach, experts warn they serve mainly to terrorize civilians rather than change the battlefield balance. They write:

Russia has begun using long-range glide bombs, known as KABs, to hit residential areas deep behind the front line.

In the last week, Moscow has, for the first time, targeted Mykolaiv, Poltava, and the city of Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast with these weapons. Lozova, located 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the front line, was hit by a UMPB-5R bomb on Oct. 18 that struck a residential neighborhood, injuring five civilians and destroying multiple homes. On Oct. 24, Odesa was reportedly attacked by KABs for the first time.

The attacks mark a troubling shift — Russia now uses yet another type of long-range weapon capable of reaching cities deep in Ukraine’s rear and pushing the boundaries of what used to be considered “safer” zones for civilians and infrastructure. […]

“In some respects, the requirement to add propulsion to its glide bombs speaks to the success of Ukrainian air defenders. It suggests that Russia has not been able to establish aerial dominance, so they have to extend the range of their bombs to prosecute certain targets.”

By flying beyond the reach of frontline air defenses, Russian aircraft lower the risk of interception. But this shift comes at a cost.

“You’re making each strike marginally more expensive. These bombs are still cheaper than cruise missiles, but adding propulsion increases their cost per use,” Rumbaugh said.[…]

“This only shows that the Russians — just as they wanted to destroy Ukraine before — still do. They continue testing new ways of doing it. Aside from additional destruction and the demoralization of civilians, this KAB upgrade brings nothing truly new to the battlefield.”

Read more here.