Russia fields upgraded UMPB-5 winged glide bomb

Russia has revealed an updated winged glide bomb for combat aircraft, showing an evolution of the UMPK-500 guidance kit into a new variant designated UMPB-5, according to photos and video circulating in recent days.

The munition, formally described in Russian sources as a unified modular gliding bomb, represents a further development of Russia’s family of UMPK (Unifitsirovannyi Modul Planirovaniya i Korrektsii) wing-equipped guided bombs used extensively in the war against Ukraine. The updated design features changes to the airframe and wing configuration intended to extend strike range while retaining existing guidance architecture.

According to Ukrainian sources, the UMPB-5 uses the same guidance and navigation suite as earlier Russian glide bomb variants, combining satellite navigation and inertial correction systems commonly referred to as SMART and Kometa-M12. These systems allow the bomb to be released from aircraft outside many air defense engagement zones while maintaining acceptable accuracy against fixed targets.

A further variant, identified as UMPB-5R, has also been reported. Ukrainian sources say this version integrates a small turbojet engine manufactured by SWIWIN, giving the munition a claimed maximum range of up to 200 kilometers. The powered variant is intended to further expand stand-off strike capability by sustaining flight after release rather than relying solely on aerodynamic glide.

Separately, the monitoring channel “Polkovnik GSh” reported that even without a propulsion system, improvements to aerodynamic efficiency and an increase in wing surface area have extended the glide range by an estimated 40 to 50 kilometers. According to that assessment, the unpowered UMPB-5 can reach distances of up to roughly 160 kilometers when released from suitable altitude and speed.

The updated bombs are designed for carriage by Russian tactical aircraft, including Su-34 Fullback fighter-bombers operating over occupied territory or Russian airspace. The extended range allows launch aircraft to remain farther from front-line air defenses while still striking targets deep inside Ukrainian-controlled areas.

Russia has increasingly relied on winged glide bombs as a cost-effective method of delivering large conventional warheads without exposing aircraft to short- and medium-range air defense systems. The modular approach allows older unguided bombs to be converted into guided weapons using add-on kits, simplifying production and logistics.