Ukrainian CAB is being tested and needs funding

Ukraine is Developing an Analog of Russian Glide Bombs (KABs) That Already Reaches 60 km, but Funding is Needed to Accelerate Development and Mass Production

The Ukrainian design bureau “Medoid” is actively developing a domestic analog of the Russian UMPK kit—commonly referred to as a KAB (Guided Aerial Bomb). This system enables a standard aerial bomb to become a glide bomb and is already undergoing testing.

Defense Express has received, with permission from the developer, a video of these tests showing the Ukrainian KAB being released from a Su-24 front-line bomber during horizontal flight.

From the video demonstration, it is evident that the Ukrainian KAB closely resembles the Russian UMPK in appearance, which has helped speed up development. However, the internal configuration significantly differs to achieve the main goal—greater accuracy.

“The planning and guidance module for a 500-kg bomb is our own design. The wings are easily mounted on the bomb. There’s no issue with attachment—it takes just a few minutes. Domestic enterprises are involved in production. The navigation module is Ukrainian, but we are currently considering testing a new development from one of France’s leading companies—aimed at ensuring maximum resistance to electronic warfare (EW). Still, there are certain components we are forced to import from abroad,” said Oleg Vostrykh, a representative of the Medoid Design Bureau.

As of now, the Ukrainian KAB can glide up to 60 kilometers and accurately hit its designated target. According to the developers, these are the specifications set by the military—based on joint decisions between the design bureau and the Ministry of Defense. Work is already underway to extend the strike range to 80 km. Although theoretically, if dropped from a 10 km altitude, the range could reach up to 100 km, actual performance will depend on the tactical use.

“We are currently in the testing phase. The test drops from the Su-24, conducted in horizontal flight, delivered positive results—particularly in terms of range and the bomb’s planning and release system. We still need to conduct about ten more test drops, which will undergo evaluation by the Ministry of Defense. But the main issue now slowing down progress is funding,” Vostrykh emphasized.

He noted that the bureau has launched a “Charitable Foundation for Advanced Technologies” to raise funds needed to complete the testing phase. 

“We are exploring every possible option because the cost of a single unit is approximately 1,200,000 UAH, or around $25,000. At this stage, lack of funding is arguably the main factor delaying the completion of the current version of the project and the start of serial production of the Ukrainian KAB,” the Medoid team explained.

It’s important to note that the Ukrainian military has an urgent demand for long-range glide bombs—at least 100 units per day. This demand is not fully covered by Western-made alternatives like the JDAM-ER, AASM Hammer, or GBU-39/B SDB. That’s why the Ukrainian solution is truly critical. Moreover, even at the prototype stage, its cost is already lower than that of Western systems.

Also remind you that I recently wrote that Ukraine has increased the production of cruise missiles by 700%. Two years ago, the country was producing only one type of cruise missile — the “Neptune” — but last year saw the emergence of many new products, leading to a 700% increase in production volume compared to 2023.