UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Jun 3—On May 31, Russian forces launched an aerial bomb with a long-range module on the Kharkiv region for the first time. This module allows the bomb to fly for 95 kilometers (59 miles) and attack not only Kharkiv but the settlements to the south of the region, said Spartak Borysenko, one of the senior experts from the Kharkiv regional Prosecutor’s Office, to Suspilne, Ukrainian media.

“Last year, the middle range from the launch location to the target area was 60-80 kilometers (37-50 miles). This range has increased to 95 kilometers (59 miles). We know they are testing new bombs now, and the range could grow,” said Borysenko.

He also said that Russia is launching aerial bombs from Su-34 aircraft, as before, at a 9,000 meters height and 700-800 kilometers per hour speed.

Experts from Defense Express said Russia possibly started development of these glide bombs in 2023, but the first photos of a modified bomb appeared in March 2025.

For the modification, Russians used heavier attachment systems, larger wings, and more powerful control systems.

Defense Express also noted two opportunities that modified bombs gave to the Russian army. First, a longer range for attacks makes these bombs “a cheaper way to terrorize civilians.” Second, the possibility for pilots to launch bombs from farther within Russia to make it safer for them.

On June 1, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted a special operation called “Spiderweb,” attacking strategic aviation deep in Russia with FPV drones. The SBU damaged 41 aircraft that cost $7 billion.

On June 3, the General Staff reported the official number of destroyed Russian aircraft and added another 12 planes after the “Spiderweb” operation.

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