Russia Struggles with Glide Bomb Deployment as Ukraine Advances in Kursk Region

Russia Struggles to Deploy Glide Bombs in Kursk as Ukraine Advances

Russia is facing challenges in utilizing its glide bombs effectively against Ukrainian forces advancing into Russian territory, according to military experts. The recent incursion by Ukrainian troops into the Kursk region has exposed limitations in Russia’s air control systems and its ability to respond to cross-border threats.

Mark Cancian, a retired Marine Corps colonel and senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, noted that Russia has been reluctant to use its air power and glide bombs at the same scale in Kursk as it has in Ukraine. Cancian attributes this to Russia’s weak air control system, which lacks the sophisticated mechanisms and well-trained personnel necessary to avoid friendly fire incidents.

While Russia has been able to deploy glide bombs extensively along the static front lines in Ukraine, the dynamic situation in Kursk presents a different challenge. The risk of unintended damage and civilian casualties has forced Russia to exercise caution in its own territory.

Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched 27 glide bombs in the Kursk region, a figure significantly lower than the 750 bombs reportedly fired at Ukrainian cities and villages last week. In contrast, Russia has been firing approximately 50 glide bombs daily into Ukraine’s neighboring Sumy region.

Rajan Menon, a senior research scholar at Columbia University’s Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies, highlighted the political considerations influencing Russia’s response. The potential for civilian casualties on Russian soil and the fear of negative political consequences have likely contributed to Moscow’s restrained approach.

Ukraine, meanwhile, has begun using its own glide bombs against Russian forces in Kursk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the incursion aims to create a “buffer zone” to minimize Russia’s ability to harm Ukraine. Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s strategy also includes stretching Russian forces and boosting morale among its troops and allies.

George Barros, a Russian military expert at the Institute for the Study of War, noted that the fast-moving operation has been positive for Ukraine after months of stagnant warfare. The shift from a defensive posture to proactive measures has allowed Ukrainian forces to regain the initiative.

As the situation in Kursk continues to evolve, Russia may be forced to reassess its risk calculations and response strategies. The ongoing conflict highlights the complexities of modern warfare and the challenges faced by both sides in adapting to rapidly changing battlefield conditions.