Russia Shows Su-34 Carrying Four Jet-Powered UMPK FAB-500T Bombs
Footage circulated by Russian military channels shows a Su-34 taking off with four FAB-500T bombs fitted with jet-assisted UMPK glide kits, said to push standoff range beyond 100 kilometres.
- Platform: Su-34 “Fullback” fighter-bomber
- Munition: FAB-500T with UMPK planning/correction kit
- Claimed range: 100 km+, some sources cite 150-200 km
- Key change: small turbojet integrated into the kit
The development
New imagery spread through Russian military channels shows the Su-34 fighter-bomber carrying four FAB-500T free-fall bombs under its wings, each fitted with jet-assisted UMPK (Unified Gliding and Correction Module) kits. The bombs have an elongated body, refined aerodynamics and room for a small turbojet engine.
Russian sources claim the jet-assisted variant exceeds a 100 km range, with some posts citing 150-200 km. These figures are not independently verified and should be treated as claims.
What the UMPK kit changes
UMPK is a low-cost solution that turns large Soviet-era stocks of unguided bombs into satellite-guided gliding munitions with folding wings. While standard UMPK bombs reach tens of kilometres, adding a small turbojet gives the weapon thrust and extends range substantially.
Greater range lets the launch aircraft release its weapons from outside the reach of Ukrainian air defences, continuing the standoff-strike trend Russian tactical aviation has pursued for two years.
Why it matters
The ability to convert cheap bombs into long-range gliding munitions widens the threat radius against rear-area targets and stresses the defender’s early warning and air-defence posture. For Türkiye and NATO, the trend underlines the value of layered air defence and electronic warfare investment against gliding munitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FAB-500T?
A roughly 500-kilogram Russian free-fall bomb with a heat-resistant casing, converted into a guided gliding munition by the UMPK kit.
Is the range confirmed?
No. The 100 km+ and 150-200 km figures are claims from Russian sources without independent confirmation.
Sources
- The Aviationist — Footage of Su-34 carrying four jet-assisted UMPK bombs, 25 July 2026
- Militarnyi — Technical assessment of FAB-500T exceeding 100 km range
