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MOSCOW, April 6. The Russian Armed Forces have increased their firepower thanks to the use of ODAB-500 aerial bombs to strike Ukrainian positions, writes Military Watch Magazine.
“Footage published by the Russian Ministry of Defense on April 5 shows Su-34 fighters using 500-kilogram ODAB-500 high-explosive bombs with thermobaric warheads against fortified positions of Ukrainian troops. <…> Their use <…> in addition «provides a greater advantage in firepower to the already significant artillery superiority of the Russian forces,» the material says.
The use of thermobaric warheads has reportedly made Su-34 sorties significantly more lethal when applied attacks on fortified positions. It is noted that there is growing concern in Western and Ukrainian media sources regarding reports of their use.
Earlier on Thursday, the Ministry of Defense reported that Su-34 front-line bombers attacked Ukrainian military shells, from which it is impossible to hide in trenches or dugouts.
ODAB-500 is a volumetric detonating bomb that operates in two steps: first when triggered it releases a liquid explosive composition that forms an aerosol cloud, which then detonates in a large volume. Due to this, a high-temperature explosion is created with a powerful shock wave, which “flows” into trenches, dugouts and other shelters, destroying the enemy.
Each Su-34 can carry four such bombs. A video published by the Russian department showed the dropping of four ODAB-500s from one of the front-line bombers. At the same time, small flashes on the ammunition are noticeable — this is how the squibs are triggered, opening the wing of the planning and correction module.
VKS actively use air bombs equipped with universal planning and correction modules in the northwestern military zone. Combat aircraft have the opportunity to strike at fortified areas of the Ukrainian Armed Forces without exposing themselves to fire from enemy anti-aircraft missile systems.