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US Resumes GLSDB Missile Deliveries to Ukraine to Sustain Deep Strikes on Russian Infrastructure.
Washington has decided to resume supplying precision-guided GLSDB (Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb) missiles to the Ukrainian army. This decision comes as Ukraine has reportedly exhausted its stock of ATACMS missiles, which were already limited in number, and seeks to maintain its capability for deep strikes against Russian military infrastructure. According to sources cited by Reuters, the new versions of these munitions have been upgraded to more effectively counter Russian electronic warfare measures, which had previously reduced their effectiveness.
The GLSDB is designed to neutralize various targets, including fortified command centers, logistical infrastructure, air defense systems, and lightly armored vehicles. (Picture source: Saab)
GLSDB missiles have a range of approximately 160 kilometers, allowing them to strike strategic targets beyond the front line, including logistical centers and ammunition depots. They combine a GBU-39 precision-guided bomb with an M26 rocket motor, providing significant operational flexibility. Jointly developed by Boeing and Saab, these missiles were designed for launch from ground-based platforms, adapting an air-launched munition for ground use. This adaptation represents a major advancement in their operational deployment.
The GLSDB is designed to neutralize various targets, including fortified command centers, logistical infrastructure, air defense systems, and lightly armored vehicles. Its warhead combines a dense metal penetrator, such as tungsten, with a fragmentation casing, ensuring effectiveness against both reinforced structures and open-area targets. Its guidance system incorporates GPS, inertial navigation, and a laser designator, providing high accuracy with a margin of error of less than one meter. It can reach speeds of Mach 5 and a maximum altitude of approximately 150 km, ensuring maneuverability suited to battlefield requirements.
Recent reports indicate that these new munitions could arrive on the battlefield within days, as stockpiles are already in place in Europe. The Ukrainian army reportedly stopped using previous versions months ago due to their vulnerability to Russian electronic countermeasures. In this context, recent tests have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of modifications to these missiles, with 19 test firings carried out. Among the improvements, the internal connections of the weapon have been reinforced to enhance resistance to electronic jamming.
The United States initially acquired these weapons through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, a military support program for Kyiv. Since the beginning of the conflict, Washington has invested nearly $33.2 billion in direct arms purchases for Ukraine, in partnership with American and allied manufacturers. The resumption of deliveries comes at a critical moment, as Kyiv calls for longer-range weapons to compensate for the limitations of the U.S.-supplied GMLRS missiles, which have a range of 70 kilometers. The GLSDB was designed to address this need by offering significantly extended strike capabilities.
Recent assessments by Western intelligence services have highlighted the effectiveness of Russian electronic countermeasures, which have disrupted the guidance systems of several precision weapons, including 155 mm Excalibur artillery shells. To mitigate this issue, the latest GLSDB versions incorporate modifications that enhance resistance to these interferences. These munitions could provide Ukraine with a renewed ability to conduct deep strikes, limiting the operational freedom of Russian forces on the ground.
Relations between the United States and Ukraine have faced increasing tensions in recent months, particularly due to uncertainty surrounding U.S. military support for Kyiv. Amid domestic political opposition and budgetary concerns, Washington temporarily suspended certain arms deliveries, including long-range ATACMS missiles and other critical munitions. At the same time, the U.S. reduced its strategic intelligence sharing with the Ukrainian military, limiting its ability to anticipate and counter Russian movements. This suspension led to a climate of mistrust between the two allies, particularly as some political factions in the U.S. began advocating for reduced American involvement in the conflict. In this context, discreet negotiations emerged between Washington and Moscow, exploring a potential de-escalation of the conflict, although Kyiv expressed reservations about any discussions involving territorial concessions.
However, after several weeks of uncertainty, the U.S. gradually restored its military and strategic support to Ukraine. The resumption of arms deliveries, including the modernized GLSDB missiles, reflects Washington's intent to maintain pressure on Russian forces while addressing Kyiv’s requests for deep-strike capabilities.