These state-of-the-art long-range munitions developed by Boeing and Saab are not yet part of the U.S. arsenal, the report added. With an extended range of 94 miles (150 kilometers), GLSDB glide bombs could become an alternative to ATACMS ballistic missiles Kyiv have long sought to get from Washington. For targeting, the GLSDB utilizes an inertial navigation system and GPS. Once launched, the bomb deploys wings and effectively glides to its target.
A source told the journalists that the U.S. Army tested the new munition type before approving its shipment to Ukraine, which will give Ukrainian forces a “significant” boost in capability.
“It gives them a deeper strike capability they haven’t had, it complements their long-range fire arsenal,” the unnamed U.S. official said.
“It’s just an extra arrow in the quiver that’s gonna allow them to do more.”
On Nov. 30, 2023, Reuters reported that the delivery of GLSDB munitions to Ukraine had been postponed until early 2024.