russia Strikes Kharkiv Region with Rare FAB-500T Bombs Designed for MiG-25RB

During the past week (i.e., June 24-30), it was recorded that russian occupiers used rare FAB-500T aviation bombs, equipped with UMPK modules, in two instances during attacks on the Kharkiv region.

In the initial incident, a bomb of this type struck a private house in a village in Kharkiv, but fortunately did not detonate. In a second occurrence, a similar bomb hit Kharkiv itself, but again, no explosion was triggered.

Read more: ​russia Used FAB-500 to Attack Kharkiv for the First Time

The use of the FAB-500T with UMPK modules in both of the aforementioned incidents was the first time during the entire full-scale war of the russian federation against Ukraine.

Unlike the standard FAB-500M62, which the russians typically modify with UMPK to create a guided bomb, the FAB-500T has a slightly lower explosive weight (260 kilograms versus 300 kilograms). Additionally, it features a design that offers superior aerodynamic performance during flight.

The FAB-500T mentioned above differs from the standard FAB-500M62, which the russians usually equip with UMPK to convert into a guided bomb, by having a slightly lower explosive weight (260 kilograms instead of 300 kilograms) and an external design that provides better aerodynamic characteristics during flight.

But most importantly, the FAB-500T bomb stands out because it’s usually paired with reconnaissance and attack aircraft like the MiG-25RB, which can reach speeds of up to 3000 km/h.

The “T” in FAB-500T denotes “heat resistant.” These bombs are designed to endure the thermal stresses associated with carrier aircraft traveling at speeds of up to 3000 km/h. Moreover, some sources suggest that the FAB-500T, owing to its unique aerodynamic design, can glide distances of 30-40 kilometers without needing additional attachments.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the russian Ministry of Defense showcased the resumption of FAB-500T production in propagandistic footage featuring Shoigu in March 2024. Therefore, in this case, it is not about the use of bombs from a "Soviet legacy" perspective; rather, the russians deliberately resumed FAB-500T production.

We can assume that the enemy opted to integrate the FAB-500T with UMPK modules because they needed a longer-range bomb for strikes on Ukrainian territory than the standard FAB-500M62 equipped with the same module.

Earlier Defense Express reported that weapons production in russia had surged despite Western sanctions.

Read more: ​russia Supposedly Uses New Fab-3000 Super-Heavy Bombs in Kharkiv Region (Video)