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Russia’s New UMPB-5R Glide Bomb Flies 150 Km With Chinese Turbojet, Investigators Say

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Roman Kohanets
News Writer
Russia’s New UMPB-5R Glide Bomb Flies 150 Km With Chinese Turbojet, Investigators Say
A Russian UMPB-5R glide bomb mounted under an aircraft wing. (Source: IISS)

Russian forces have begun using a modernized glide munition identified as the UMPB-5R that appears to be fitted with a Chinese-made small turbojet, several open-source investigators and Ukrainian experts reported on October 24 after recent strikes that reached Poltava and Kharkiv regions.

The claim that the weapon “was built on the basis of a Chinese jet engine” was made by radio-electronic warfare specialist Serhii “Flеsh” Beskrestnov, who said investigators have “recorded many instances of this munition’s use recently.”   

Photographs of debris and OSINT imagery have been interpreted as showing remnants of a small commercial turbojet identified by analysts as a variant of the Swiwin SW800 family—the same Chinese unit previously linked to other recent Russian munitions.

Analysts assessing wreckage noted features consistent with that engine, which would provide sustained propulsion and extend the effective range of an otherwise unpowered glide bomb. 

Ukrainian and independent analysts say the UMPB-5R is a low-cost, easily produced evolution of earlier UMPB glide kits: by adding a compact turbojet, the munition’s standoff range increases materially, allowing strikes from greater distances without requiring a long-range launch platform.

Commentators have reported estimated ranges of roughly 100–150 km for rocket/turbojet-equipped variants and warhead masses in the order of 90–250 kg depending on configuration. 

The appearance of a commercial Chinese turbojet in munition wreckage prompted renewed concern about supply-chain leakage and sanctions efficacy. Beskrestnov argued that “while China trades with Russia, all global sanctions on components and assemblies are useless,” and highlighted that key items—including anti-jamming antennas and propulsion units—are being sourced through third countries or commercial channels.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia is developing powered glide-bomb variants—similar to the UMPB-5R—that add small turbojets or rocket boosters to significantly extend range and strike deeper into Ukraine.

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