The GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb), a long-range precision-guided munition designed to strike deep within Russian-controlled territory, has been withdrawn from use after proving ineffective due to Moscow’s electronic interference, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing American and Ukrainian officials.
Ukraine received these bombs in early February following months of requests for long-range ammunition, hoping to target critical areas such as Crimea. The GLSDB, a joint product of Boeing and Saab, has a range of about 150 kilometers and can accurately hit targets using GPS navigation.
However, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, Russian electronic warfare forces were able to effectively jam the GPS signals of these bombs, significantly reducing their accuracy and effectiveness. This has led to the decision to cease their use in Ukraine, with the weapons being pulled from service.
High-ranking Ukrainian officials noted that the decision to withdraw the GLSDB was a significant setback for their military plans. As the hope that these munitions could change the battlefield dynamics was not realized, Kyiv is now forced to seek alternative solutions for striking key Russian targets.
Western defense experts emphasize that Russia has substantially improved its electronic warfare capabilities in recent years, allowing it to effectively counter modern precision-guided munitions. Meanwhile, representatives from the American defense industry are working on improving technologies to make munitions less vulnerable to electronic interference.
Despite this setback, the United States and other NATO countries continue to support Ukraine by providing new types of weapons and equipment to help counter Russian aggression.
