Russia to Make 120,000 Glide Bombs in 2025, Ukraine Raises Alarm

Russia is preparing for a major escalation in its aerial campaign against Ukraine, with Kyiv warning that Moscow plans to manufacture up to 120,000 “cheap and devastating” glide bombs this year. A senior Ukrainian intelligence official revealed the estimate, raising alarm over a weapon that has already ravaged frontline cities and is becoming central to Russia’s wartime strategy.

Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, said the figure includes both newly built glide bombs and older Soviet-era bombs upgraded with wings or propulsion systems. Reuters could not independently verify the production target, but the estimate reflects a drastic expansion of Moscow’s manufacturing capabilities since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Glide bombs have emerged as one of Russia’s most destructive tools. Unlike missiles, they do not require complex guidance systems, making them cheaper and easier to mass-produce. Dropped from fighter jets flying far behind Russian lines, the bombs extend their wings and travel dozens of kilometres, slamming into Ukrainian towns without exposing aircraft to Ukrainian air defences. Their large explosive payloads — often several hundred kilograms — make them capable of flattening buildings, shredding fortifications, and striking infrastructure with devastating effect.

Ukraine says Russian forces are now launching 200 to 250 glide bombs every day, a number that has increased sharply from previous months. Skibitskyi called the scale of production “enormous” and a growing threat that Kyiv will need to counter quickly.

One of the biggest concerns is Russia’s new long-range glide bomb, which Skibitskyi says can travel up to 200 km (125 miles) from the drop point — far beyond the earlier 90 km range. Moscow reportedly aims to produce around 500 of these extended-range bombs by the end of the year. Even more troubling, Ukrainian intelligence believes Russia is developing modifications allowing some models to travel up to 400 km, putting many more cities in danger without the need for missiles.

Recent attacks have already demonstrated the weapon’s reach. Bomb strikes in Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Odesa — far from active front lines — show how Russia is expanding its ability to hit civilian areas and infrastructure deep inside Ukrainian territory.

Russia’s defence ministry did not comment on the intelligence assessment. Moscow has repeatedly denied targeting civilians, despite widespread evidence to the contrary since thousands of people have been killed or injured since the invasion began.

Alongside glide bombs, Skibitskyi outlined Russia’s rapidly accelerating drone programme. He estimated Russia will produce around 70,000 long-range drones this year, including 30,000 Shahed drones, the backbone of recent attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. “They definitely want to break us,” he said, warning that Russia aims to intensify pressure on Ukraine during winter and force Kyiv into a weaker position in any future peace talks.

He also warned that if Russian forces manage to capture the besieged city of Pokrovsk — where fierce street battles continue — Moscow would likely push deeper toward the administrative borders of Donetsk region, a long-standing strategic objective.

Skibitskyi also addressed Russia’s growing military relationship with North Korea. He said Pyongyang has supplied 6.5 million artillery shells to Russia since 2023, though shipments have slowed as North Korean stockpiles deplete. Many shells reportedly arrive in such poor condition that they must be sent for refurbishing in Russian plants. Meanwhile, North Korea is now developing and mass-producing its own attack drones, using lessons learned from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

With Russia expanding its bomb stockpiles, drone fleets, and strategic partnerships, Ukrainian officials warn that the months ahead could bring intensified destruction — especially for civilians living far from the front lines. Ukraine says it needs stronger air defence systems, deeper international support, and urgent action to counter what may become one of the most dangerous phases of the war.