Russia Deploys Glide Bombs Against Odesa Civilian Infrastructure for First Time, Marking Escalation

First-Time Use in Odesa Region

On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Russian Federation employed guided aerial bombs, commonly referred to as KABs, against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region. This marks the first recorded instance of such weapons being used in this area, signaling a notable escalation in the conflict. Oleh Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Military Administration, confirmed the attack, describing it as 'a new, serious threat' to the region. Initial reports indicated that several munitions were launched towards the coastline area, specifically targeting locations stretching from Pivdennyi to Chornomorsk and in the direction of Ochakiv, with at least four KABs reported by open-source trackers during the alert.

Escalation and Destructive Potential

The introduction of glide bombs in Odesa represents a significant shift in Russian tactics. While Odesa has previously endured missile and drone strikes, the use of KABs against civilian targets introduces a weapon capable of striking deep into Ukraine's rear, challenging the perceived safety of these areas. These weapons are known for their substantial destructive power and are considered a cost-effective alternative to more expensive missiles. Experts note that Russia has been upgrading its glide bombs, enhancing their range and destructive capabilities, making them increasingly difficult for Ukrainian air defenses to intercept.

Understanding Glide Bombs

KABs, or Korrektiruyemaya Aviabomba (corrected aircraft bomb), are Russian guided aerial bombs equipped with wings and precision guidance systems, which can include GPS, laser, or inertial guidance. Unlike traditional free-fall bombs, these munitions can glide tens of kilometers before impact, allowing launch aircraft to remain outside the range of many Ukrainian air defense systems. Russia has reportedly modernized these weapons, with some reports suggesting the use of UMPB-5R glide munitions, potentially fitted with small turbojets to extend their range up to 200 kilometers. Other variants, such as the FAB-500, are often fitted with UMPK kits (Universal Gliding and Correction Modules) to convert them into guided glide bombs. These modifications enable them to carry heavier payloads than many missiles, posing a severe threat to static targets and civilian areas.

Implications for the Conflict

The deployment of glide bombs in Odesa underscores Russia's continued adaptation of its aerial warfare strategies. This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian air defenses in countering these modernized, long-range munitions. The attacks on civilian infrastructure with such powerful weapons are expected to intensify concerns regarding civilian safety and the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict.