Russia Launches 40 KAB Laser Guided Bombs at Ukraine in One Day.

On May 25, 2024, Russia launched nearly 40 KAB aerial-guided bombs on Ukrainian positions and civilian infrastructure, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The number of enemy offensive and assault efforts reached 99, marking an escalation of hostilities along the front lines.
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The KAB-1500S-E, also Know as UPAB-1500B, in flight configuration (Picture source: Rosoboronexport)

All day on May 25, 2024, Russian forces relentlessly attacked Ukrainian positions across almost the entire front line. Kharkiv experienced four major attacks involving rockets and aerial guided bombs. Central parks and dense residential areas were hit by missiles, and a hypermarket was struck by two KAB bombs. In total, six missiles and two aerial guided bombs were deployed. The total number of aerial guided bombs targeting Ukrainian units and infrastructure reached about 40.

The KAB series of laser-guided bombs, developed by Russia, are designed to be dropped from aircraft and guided to their targets with high precision using laser guidance systems. The KAB-500L is a lightweight variant of the KAB-500 family, effective against stationary targets like buildings and bridges. It has a maximum range of 30 kilometers and carries a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Introduced in 1975, the KAB-500L remains in service with various air forces, including Russia, India, and Malaysia, and has been used in conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War.

Another variant, the KAB-500KR, is an electro-optical TV-guided bomb that operates on a fire-and-forget principle. Developed in the 1980s, it uses Scene Matching Area Correlation (SMAC) technology for guidance, allowing it to target low-contrast objects effectively. The KAB-500KR has a 380 kg armor-piercing warhead and is designed to penetrate up to 1.5 meters of reinforced concrete.

The KAB-1500LG-F-E, a much larger bomb in the KAB series, was introduced in the 1990s. Weighing 1,525 kg, it features a semi-active laser guidance system and is capable of targeting and destroying a wide range of military and industrial facilities. Compatible with advanced Russian aircraft like the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35, the KAB-1500 has seen use in major conflicts, including Chechnya, Syria, and the Russia-Ukraine War.

The heaviest clashes were recorded in the Kupiansk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhiv directions. On the Kharkiv axis, Ukrainian troops successfully repelled six attacks, while four more are still ongoing. In Kupiansk, despite increased pressure from Russian forces, half of the 14 recorded assaults were repelled, with seven continuing. In the Lyman direction, Russia launched five attacks, one of which is still ongoing.

On the Siversk axis, Russian forces attempted to storm Ukrainian positions in Bilohorivka and Verkhnokamyanske, resulting in nine clashes, with five still ongoing. The Kramatorsk direction saw 11 combat clashes, with one still ongoing, as Russian forces continued their assaults near Klishchiivka, Nove, Ivanivske, and Andriivka.

Pokrovsk remains the hottest point on the front line, with 23 enemy attacks recorded. Ukrainian forces are holding their ground, inflicting significant losses on the enemy, and successfully downed another Russian Su-25 warplane. In Kurakhove, 14 clashes occurred, with eight attacks repelled and four ongoing. On the Orikhiv axis, the enemy attempted three assaults near Robotyne and Novoadriivka without success. On the Prydniprovska axis, attacks increased to nine, but none succeeded in suppressing Ukrainian units in the Krynky area. In other areas, the situation remains largely unchanged.