Espreso. Global

Pentagon confirms Ukraine will get GLSDB bombs

31 January, 2024 Wednesday
10:05

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirms that Ukraine will receive a batch of GLSDB long-range precision-guided bombs from Boeing

client/title.list_title

He said this at a briefing.

“As we acknowledged last year, we will provide Ukraine with the ground-launched small diameter bomb as part of our USIA -- our USAI-funded security assistance efforts. However, due to operation security reasons, we're not going to confirm specific timelines,” Pat Ryder said.

The news was first reported by Politico, citing two U.S. officials and two other people familiar with the negotiations.

It is noted that the Pentagon has successfully tested a new weapon for Ukraine, which will receive its first batch of small-diameter, long-range ground bombs manufactured by Boeing. Anonymous sources claim that this bomb is not even in service in the United States.

“The new bomb, which can travel about 90 miles, is expected to be “a significant capability for Ukraine, It gives them a deeper strike capability they haven’t had, it complements their long-range fire arsenal,” the U.S. official said. “It’s just an extra arrow in the quiver that’s gonna allow them to do more,” commented one of the American officials for Politico.

The weapon, jointly developed by Boeing and Saab, consists of a high-precision 250-pound bomb attached to a rocket engine and launched from various ground platforms. The U.S. armed forces have a similar airborne version of the bomb, but the ground-launched versions are not yet part of the U.S. arsenal.

According to a statement, Ukraine will become the first country to use this bomb in combat, making it a critical test for other nations acquiring long-range munitions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Pentagon commentary

The U.S. Department of Defense said it would not make official statements on the timing of the GLSDB bombs, but confirmed that they were planned as part of the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

“As far as the small diameter bomb, as we acknowledged last year, we will provide Ukraine with the ground-launched small diameter bomb as part of our USIA -- our USAI-funded security assistance efforts,”  Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder told Ukrinform.

“I will refer to Ukraine to talk about any delivery,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “But we do, as I mentioned, continue to work closely with Ukraine and with our industry partners to ensure that Ukraine receives and is ready to use the capabilities that we’re delivering to them, and as quickly as possible, the spokesman added.

For reference

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
22 January
21:15
If borders were opened, 70% of Ukrainians would not move abroad, survey shows
21:00
Trump calls on Russia to make deal to end Ukraine war, warns of sanctions and tariffs
20:39
Exclusive
U.S. Presidential change – opportunity for Ukraine that must be seized, says MP Syniutka
20:18
Exclusive
Military expert explains why Russian forces succeed in encircling settlements
19:56
From defense to offense: key steps Ukraine must take to win war
19:37
From 5,700 to 1,110: Decline of Ukraine’s tank force from 1993 to 2013
19:15
Interview
Ukraine has every chance to become success story for EU if it pursues reforms, unlocks its potential — EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius for Espreso
18:55
Ukrainian forces repel 41 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk sector
18:35
Russia shells Donetsk region 3,829 times over past day, causing multiple casualties
18:17
OPINION
Trump is back. His goal is 'golden age' for the USA, but where does Ukraine fit in it?
17:55
North Korea might send reinforcements to Kursk region, U.S. says
17:37
Russian army attacks Kostiantynivka with bombs, killing and injuring locals
17:16
OPINION
Kremlin's plan: war lasting lifetime of those who started it
16:55
EU Defense Commissioner Kubilius urges NATO to move military goals 14 years ahead due Russian threat
16:31
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 8-15
Russian forces may enter Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region as they advance toward Pokrovsk
16:10
Finnish 2S1 Gvozdika, also known as PSH 74, illustrative photo from open sources
Denmark supplies Ukraine with 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer
15:49
'Reason behind North Korean troops' involvement': NATO Commander Cavoli assesses Russia's breakthrough potential
15:32
Syria terminates investment deal with Russia over Tartus port control
15:14
OPINION
Donald Trump's promise of strong U.S. leadership must begin with Ukraine
14:55
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 15-22
January 15-22 live war map: Russian forces launch assault on last stronghold in southern Donetsk region
14:43
Trump assigns envoy Kellogg to end war in Ukraine in 100 days — media
14:25
Exclusive
'Prepare for turbulence with mixed proposals': military expert Zgurets on Trump’s war settlement plan
14:06
Exclusive
Russia suffers heavy losses but fails to gain ground in Kupyansk sector — Achilles Battalion
13:50
Exclusive
Around 220 civilians refuse to evacuate Chasiv Yar despite ongoing fighting
13:32
OPINION
Trump's first statements and orders: what they reveal
13:14
Ukraine authorizes Poseidon unmanned aerial vehicle system for military use
12:57
Exclusive
Trump's 'hawks' must not repeat Obama's mistake — Ukrainian diplomat
12:38
Ukraine documents over 7,000 Russian environmental crimes amid ongoing war
12:21
OPINION
Trump: Putin is destroying Russia. Column by Vitaly Portnikov
12:00
Russia violates political prisoners' health rights in Crimea at least 64 times in 2024 — analysts
11:42
Ukrainian forces eliminate 21 North Korean fighters, wound 40 in Russia's Kursk region
11:23
121 combat clashes occur on Russian-Ukrainian front on Jan. 21 — General Staff
11:05
Ukraine will need at least 200,000 peacekeepers to ensure security after ceasefire - Zelenskyy
10:46
Exclusive
Trump has no reason to concede or compromise with Russia — international expert
10:28
Trump administration seeks lasting end to war in Ukraine — U.S. official
10:11
Exclusive
Putin appears to be 'CIA's best agent' — Ukrainian diplomat
09:52
Russia launches drone attack on Ukraine, causing casualties in Mykolaiv
09:34
Russia loses 1,950 soldiers, 60 artillery systems, 11 tanks in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Tuesday
21 January
21:30
Exclusive
Defense Express expert analyzes Russian military production rates amid war
21:10
4,000 North Korean soldiers killed in Kursk region — Zelenskyy
More news