Russia claims to have used an FAB-9000 or an ODAB-9000 thermobaric “vacuum bomb” in Vovchansk. These are said to be the largest non-nuclear bombs in Russia’s arsenal. They are also known as the Father of All Bombs.
The FAB-9000, which is not thermobaric, weighs more than 20k pounds and carries a warhead that weighs about half of that.
However, there is some doubt as to whether this was an ODAB-9000 or something smaller due to how it was deployed. Because of its weight, this kind of bomb would need to be dropped directly over the target rather than glide to it, much like the MOABs in the US arsenal.
The Ukrainian military issues outlet Defense Express has cast doubt on this theory, given that this bomb, in its original design, is dropped directly over the target, with the carriers being strategic bombers such as the Tu-160, Tu-95, or Tu-22M3.
Deploying such a weapon under current conditions is highly improbable, as it would almost certainly lead to the loss of the Russian bomber due to the Ukrainian surface-to-air missile (SAM) fire.
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Moreover, the video of the Vovchansk strike appears to show a gliding munition, likely using UMPC (Universal Modular Planning and Correction Kit) technology. In Russia, these kits are designed for aerial bombs in the 1500 kg and 3000 kg classes, suggesting that the weapon used was more likely an upgraded FAB-3000 or ODAB-1500, rather than the ODAB-9000.
Russia is reported to have massacred a group of Ukrainian prisoners near Pokrovsk.
Lomeiko’s car was blown up. The quisling was still in it. What a shame.
The Russians not only lost the duel, but Ukrainians stole their vehicle. I would guess the Russian crew bugged out during the exchange.
There are a number of reports about the Russians losing another Su-25. They are all based on a post by the Russian aviation blogger known as Fighterbomber, who has usually been accurate.
Should have stayed home.
The Russians shot at a Russian crop duster.
Don’t let JD Vance know what they were doing in that Vovchansk Aggregate Plant.
Russians admit to targeting civilians in Kherson.
Burn, baby, burn.
The U.S. steps up with aid for energy infrastructure and rehabilitation.
The last bomb of WWII?
Bombs will likely turn up all over Ukraine for decades to come.
You never know when you might need a Combat Cat.
They need a little more practice.
