The production of the first batch of the 'Drel' aerial bomb is planned for 2024. pic.twitter.com/ZE66rBpUmg
— Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) January 11, 2024
With a glide range of 50 kilometers (31 miles) after a high-altitude drop, it’s like firing a deadly arrow from miles away.
It’s not just about brute force, though.
This bomb’s got stealth and resistance to electronic warfare, making it a chameleon in the sky.
Strategic Deployment: A Game-Changer
Straight from the horse’s mouth, Russian news agency TASS further tells us production kicks off in 2024.
⚡️Russian media: Russia to start production of new glide bomb.
Russia plans to begin production of a new glide bomb "Drel" in 2024, Russian state-run media TASS reported on Jan. 10, citing Rostec, the Russian state-owned arms manufacturer.https://t.co/WnIeihHvQy
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) January 10, 2024
Overseeing this is Rostec, the big kahuna of Russian defense.
And they’re not stopping there – they’ve got plans for 10,000 S-8KL guided cluster munitions, too.
Real-world testing? Check.
Ukraine’s been the unfortunate testing ground for this beast, Reuters reported, which poses “an extremely great threat” to Ukrainian civilians.
Russia to 'Drill' Ukraine with introduction of new cluster bomb
Serial production of a new Russian glide cluster bomb will start later this year, the press service of the state corporation Rostec – the country’s main weapons producer – has reported.
“The Drel (Drill) bomb has… pic.twitter.com/vs59q860CS
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) January 11, 2024
Retrofitting old-school gravity bombs into these guided demons? A cost-effective stroke of genius (or madness, depending on where you stand).
Potential Threats: A Double-Edged Sword
Here’s the kicker – the Drel bomb is a tough nut to crack.
Jamming? No sweat.
Radar detection? Good luck.
It’s claimed to be a nightmare for any adversary.
But what are the ethical implications? That’s where things get murky.
Cluster munitions, while effective, are a humanitarian nightmare – causing indiscriminate damage and long-lasting dangers from unexploded ordnance.
Meanwhile, in a twist, Tecmash (part of the Rostec family) is eyeing civilian uses for this technology.
Imagine dropping emergency supplies with the precision of a hawk.
It’s a glimmer of hope in a field often marred by destruction.
What Out for Drel!
As we gear up for the arrival of the PKB-500U Drel on the world stage, it’s a mix of awe and apprehension.
The technological marvel of it can’t be denied – it’s a trailblazer in modern warfare.
But the ethical conundrums and potential civilian impact cast a long shadow.
It’s a reminder that in the arms race, every innovation carries the weight of responsibility.
Like all weapons, this beast walks a fine line between strategic advantage and humanitarian crisis.
As we witness its rollout, the world must grapple with the implications – both in warfare and beyond.
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