Ukraine’s MiG-29 Fleet Equipped with Precision Standoff Strike Capability

Ukraine’s MiG-29 fighter jets have taken on a new role in Kyiv’s defense as precision standoff strike aircraft. The War Zone has confirmed that some of Ukraine’s MiG-29 fleet has been modified to carry winged JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bombs. A photo shows the smart bombs onboard the MiG-29s on the ground, with one bomb commemorating Ukraine Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi’s birthday.

The JDAM-ER is not a bomb itself but a kit applied to conventional bombs, providing them with inertial and GPS guidance. This allows the bombs to hit their static targets with precision, making them true fire-and-forget weapons. The addition of wings to the bombs extends their range to dozens of miles, turning them into standoff weapons.

The first airstrikes using the winged bombs reportedly began in early March, although the modification of the MiG-29s was first noticed in late June. The photos show the JDAMs attached to inboard pylons on the aircraft, with tapered triangular protrusions forward of the bomb’s mounting point.

It is important to note that the JDAM-ER should not be confused with Ukraine’s Storm Shadow cruise missiles launched from Su-24 Fencers. Unlike the Storm Shadow, which has its own onboard turbojet engine, the JDAM-ER relies solely on gliding with its wings, limiting its range.

The modification of Ukraine’s MiG-29s with JDAM-ER bombs is further evidence of the country’s efforts to enhance its airpower. While Ukraine may have to wait longer for Western fourth-generation fighters of its own, the country is making use of its existing airframes and the support of its Western allies to increase its capabilities.

What is the significance of equipping the MiG-29s with winged JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bombs

Ukraine’s MiG-29 fighter jets have been given a new role in defending Kyiv, as they have been modified to carry precision standoff strike weapons. The War Zone has verified that some of Ukraine’s MiG-29 fleet has been equipped with winged JDAM-ER GPS-guided glide bombs. An image reveals these smart bombs on the MiG-29s while on the ground, with one bomb even celebrating the birthday of Ukraine Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi.

The JDAM-ER is not a bomb itself, but rather a kit that can be added to conventional bombs to provide them with inertial and GPS guidance. This enables the bombs to accurately hit stationary targets, making them essentially fire-and-forget weapons. The inclusion of wings on the bombs increases their range to several dozen miles, transforming them into standoff weapons.

Reports suggest that the first airstrikes using these modified bombs began in early March, although the modification of the MiG-29s was initially noticed in late June. The photos display the JDAMs attached to the aircraft’s inboard pylons, with distinct tapered triangular protrusions in front of the bomb’s mounting point.

It’s important to clarify that the JDAM-ER differs from Ukraine’s Storm Shadow cruise missiles launched from Su-24 Fencers. Unlike the Storm Shadow, which has its own onboard turbojet engine, the JDAM-ER relies solely on its wing glide, which somewhat limits its range.

By modifying the MiG-29s with JDAM-ER bombs, Ukraine is further demonstrating its commitment to bolstering its airpower. While the country may have to wait longer for its own Western fourth-generation fighters, it is utilizing its existing airframes and the support of its Western allies to enhance its capabilities.