Boeing 's GLSDB "ground launch small diameter bomb" is actually an rocket that can be deployed by the Himas rocket system. (Photo/Boeing)
Ukraine war lasted for 9 months. Most of the Ukrainian army's weapons and equipment were provided by the United States and NATO allies. The inventory of cheap traditional shells and bombs that were originally supplied to Ukraine is shrinking. As the war continues, it seems that it can only give advanced ammunition that is more powerful but also more expensive. Reuters reported that according to sources, Boeing is proposing to supply Ukrainian "Ground Launch Small Diameter Bomb" (GLSDB), one of the standard multi-barrel rockets that can be fired by the M270 (MLRS) and M142 "HimLRS" rocket launch systems with a range of 160 kilometers.
The first heavy weapon provided by the United States to Ukraine was the M777 towed howitzer, of course, it must also be equipped with a large number of 155mm shells. Due to the continued battle situation, the consumption of 155 shells is extremely large, and the US Army itself has a shortage of inventory. Pentagon officials told reporters that they can only count on accelerating the efficiency of making shells and may have to entrust civil defense contractors to help with production (currently only in government arsenals).
GLSDB rocket is composed of GBU-39 small diameter bomb and M26 rocket. (Photo/Boeing)
A document pointed out that the US Department of Defense is planning to install a small-diameter air bomb GBU-39 to install an M26 rocket engine, becoming a rocket that the Himas can launch, which is GLSDB. Due to the GBU-39 small-diameter bomb and M26 rocket section, there is a large inventory in the US arsenal. As long as the modification can be completed, Ukraine will not be short of fire bombs in the short term.
U.S. Department of Defense officials explained that GBU-39 was originally a gliding bomb carried by fighter jets and was once widely used in the Afghan battlefield. However, after the United States withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, it left behind a large number of available GBU-39s, but they are not easy to use with Ukrainian active fighter jets, and Ukraine does not have the battlefield air supremacy. Therefore, they are converted into rockets and are deployed by the brilliant Himas rocket system, which can maintain Ukraine's long-range strike firepower.
However, only Boeing factory can produce this hybrid rocket at present. At least 6 suppliers need to speed up parts and services to quickly mass-produce GLSDB.
Although the United States refuses to provide Ukraine's 297-kilometer Army strike missile (ATACMS), the range of GLSDB is also farther than the current traditional type of missile, reaching 150 kilometers. This is attributed to the gliding ability of GBU-39 itself, which will allow Ukraine to hit valuable military targets or destroy the heartland of the Russian-occupied area.
