The US continues to send new weapons to Ukraine after deciding to continue sharing military aid and intelligence with Kiev. These weapons include the GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb), a miniature bomb launched from the ground. The GLSDB was previously used in combat in Ukraine, but it was reported that it did not perform as expected due to the effects of Russia's electronic warfare systems. For this reason, it is planned to make the modernized variants of the GLSDB more resistant to Russian electronic warfare systems.
Modernization of GLSDB and Performance Issues
The initial use of GLSDB was a process that saw poor performance, particularly due to the influence of Russia’s electronic warfare systems. The GPS signals of these missiles were jammed by Russian systems, making it difficult to accurately engage targets. However, the new batch of GLSDBs has been modernized to overcome this problem. The modernization is expected to make the ammunition’s GPS systems more resistant to electronic interference, resulting in more reliable performance.
These modernization efforts have accelerated as the U.S. resumes arms transfers in early 2024. At the same time, as Ukraine’s ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) stockpile has been depleted, precision-strike munitions like the GLSDB have become increasingly critical. The GLSDB’s range of up to 150 kilometers offers Ukraine a significant advantage, particularly for targeting Russia’s supply lines and assembly points.
Features and Usage Area of GLSDB
The GLSDB is a system developed by Boeing and Saab and is essentially a ground-launched version of the air-launched SDB (Small Diameter Bomb). The system is fired by the rocket motor of the M26 artillery rocket and then guided to the target by the GBU-39/B's inertial navigation system and GPS system. The GLSDB's range of approximately 150 kilometers allows it to attack long-range targets on the battlefield, giving Ukraine a strategic advantage.
In particular, such precision munitions would increase Ukraine’s defensive capabilities by targeting Russia’s supply lines and military bases, but making these missiles more resistant to electronic warfare systems would make them more effective.
GÖKTAN Project: ASELSAN's Alternative
Another important development in terms of Türkiye's defense industry is the GÖKTAN project carried out by ASELSAN. GÖKTAN is a system developed as an equivalent of GLSDB and in this project, ASELSAN has made the TOLUN ammunition, which can hit from land to land, capable of being fired from air platforms. The GÖKTAN System has made an important progress by achieving successful results in firing tests. The use of GÖKTAN, especially in operations against Russia, stands out as a development that increases Türkiye's capabilities in the defense industry.
The modernized GLSDBs sent by the US to Ukraine could change the dynamics on the battlefield. In particular, as the resistance of these munitions against Russian electronic warfare systems increases, Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range precision attacks will be strengthened. In addition, ASELSAN’s GÖKTAN project stands out as an important step that highlights the technological developments in Türkiye’s defense industry. The similarities between these two systems could significantly transform the defense strategies of both Ukraine and Türkiye.
