High-explosive threat: how many FAB-3000 super-heavy bombs does Russia have and how to destroy them

The Russians have begun using the FAB-3000 super-powerful glide bombs. According to the Institute for the Study of War, these bombs carry 1200 kg of explosive material. Allegedly, the occupiers dropped such a bomb near a local hospital in Kharkiv region. The strike was inaccurate, but the building sustained significant damage.

Experts note that the high-explosive bomb has tremendous power, potentially causing severe concussions to people tens of meters from the explosion's epicenter.

The Ukrainian Air Force reports that the Russians most frequently use the FAB-250 and FAB-500 bombs, modifying them into new unified gliding munitions. It remains to be confirmed if they used the FAB-3000 in Kharkiv after examining the explosion site.

Shoigu’s boast about the FAB-3000

Military expert Ihor Romanenko believes that the use of the FAB-3000 is more significant for Americans than Ukrainians, who have been suffering from Russian air strikes for three years.

"The Americans stubbornly adhere to their strange approach to military aid, seemingly waiting for further atrocities from Russia with casualties, bloodshed, and other miseries for Ukrainians. Only then do they take steps to help Ukraine. Unfortunately, our partners didn't respond when Shoigu was touring the factory producing these high-explosive bombs, boasting about the FAB-3000's power. It wasn't enough for our partners; they waited until the bombs were used on Ukraine. I hope they wake up now and start helping," Ihor Romanenko, military expert, Retired Lieutenant General and Deputy Chief of the General Staff (2006-2010) told TSN.ua.

It is necessary to shoot down aircraft over Russia

He adds that modern air defense systems can partially help protect Kharkiv and Sumy regions and other border areas from powerful Russian bombs by intercepting Russian planes before they approach Ukraine's borders with the bombs on board.

"So far, we only hear discussions about providing Ukraine with seven additional Patriot systems. The partner countries are being determined. Even the US President promised to transfer one Patriot battery from Poland. Not the Polish one, but an American one because the Poles immediately refused to provide their batteries. Unfortunately, even the Americans are in no hurry to deliver it. By the way, the Americans have everything necessary to finally send us the F-16s, which we need to protect our territories," says Ihor Romanenko.

Striking airfields where FABs are loaded

He adds that not all Russian planes can use the FAB-3000, as it is a very heavy bomb.

"But unfortunately, the Russians have already found a solution and are using a bomb with a warhead of 1200 kilograms. It is very difficult to destroy it in the air, especially since we don't have the necessary means. Therefore, it is time to create a unique air and missile defense system around Kharkiv region. We need to deploy Patriot batteries there and concentrate F-16 fighters in the region. They should shoot down not the bombs but the planes launching them and the airfields they take off from," the military expert explains.

Time to lift restrictions on striking Russia

Ihor Romanenko adds that to effectively hit Russian airfields, the range of strikes needs to be increased.

"I believe that the restriction on striking Russia beyond 80 kilometers should be lifted. We need to hit much further with the same ATACMS. Why? The Russians quickly moved their logistics and airfields more than 80 kilometers away. They are simply out of reach with the current weapons and restrictions. We need weapons to strike the enemy airfields where planes launching the FAB-3000 are based," says Ihor Romanenko.

Why Patriots and F-16 must work together

He adds that even if Patriot batteries are deployed in the region, there is a high risk that the enemy could destroy them.

"The Russians have formed a reconnaissance-strike complex near Kharkiv region. With their current means, they are surveilling everything over Kharkiv and the region, and delivering strikes with "Iskanders" because their artillery is out of reach. They have moved it to a safe distance. They are also attacking with "Lancet" strike drones. They have improved these loitering munitions, and their range is now 100 kilometers. The enemy uses Lancet drones to attack border towns," Ihor Romanenko says.

The expert adds that the Russians are not waiting for any permissions. They conduct active reconnaissance and continue to destroy our cities.

"We can "thank" the Americans for this. It is clear to us that Russia is the enemy, and we need to fight them, but to do so, we need appropriate and adequate assistance. I think our partners should not wait for severe damage to Ukrainian cities and bloodshed. Decisions on aid need to be timely," the retired lieutenant general notes.

Russia has dozens of FABs

The military expert adds that, in his opinion, Russia has already produced dozens of powerful high-explosive bombs.

"As for the FAB-3000, I think Russia already has dozens, but they have the capability to produce hundreds and more. Last year, Putin shifted the country's industry to a war footing. So almost everything is working for the war, and unfortunately, they have the capability," the expert notes.

Threat to all border cities

By the way, the enemy can use high-explosive bombs not only in Kharkiv region but also in numerous border and frontline cities.

"With a sufficient number of planes and technical means, the Russians can attack cities near the Russian border - Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv regions. Therefore, our partners must lift all these restrictions on strikes on Russian territory. And it is desirable to do this before Ukrainian blood is shed," Ihor Romanenko concludes.

Read also:

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• Russia dropped guided aerial bombs on Kharkiv again: parts of the city are experiencing power outages - casualties reported