Three times cheaper than the American JDAM-ER: new details emerge about Ukraine’s guided aerial bomb

The guided aerial bomb that Ukraine unveiled yesterday has been named Vyrivniuvach (Equaliser). Its developer has also been revealed: the bomb was created over 17 months by DG Industry, Business Insider reports.

The “Vyrivniuvach” is cheaper than Western counterparts – in particular, it costs roughly three times less than the American JDAM-ER. In early May, the US State Department approved the sale to Ukraine of 1,532 JDAM-ER kits worth $373.6m. The average price of a single kit with additional services thus came to around $240,000.

The bomb features modern guidance algorithms for improved accuracy, and can also be used in any weather and at any time of day. Preparation for use takes half an hour, and it is compatible with Ukrainian aircraft and systems. This includes, in particular, F-16 and Mirage jets. However, additional certification will still be required for use with these fighters.

As Defender Media has reported, the warhead of the Vyrivniuvach is 250 kg, suitable for striking fortifications, command posts, and other targets at distances of tens of kilometres. The Ministry of Defence has already procured the first experimental batch of the product, and pilots are working through combat scenarios and adapting how the system is employed.