Reenactment reveals how low altitude bombing is executed and the reasoning behind it
A military video shows a bomber flying extremely close to the terrain at high speed, then releasing bombs from a very low height before withdrawing. Minutes later, ground explosions confirm the impact sequence.
Officials describe the operation as a deliberate attack on the fortified zone using free maneuvers from an almost ground-hugging altitude. They state that high explosive munitions were employed to maximize destructive effect and ensure rapid neutralization of fortified targets.
The Su-24 is explained as a versatile platform capable of both missile and bomb assaults. It features a terrain-following system that enables safe passage over irregular ground in either manual or automatic mode, even at supersonic speeds.
The briefing notes that combat missions can be conducted at extremely low altitudes, specifically between 50 and 300 meters. To approach air defenses while remaining covert, pilots aim for safe approaches with shallow attack angles and then descend to very low levels to deploy weapons. This technique, referred to as the storm approach, enhances accuracy by directing munitions precisely at target windows and critical points in structures. A source from socialbites.ca describes how such low-level runs yield highly effective results when a bomb lands exactly where intended.
Officials also compare the capability of Western air forces, noting that NATO aircraft can execute similar low-altitude strikes. They mention the Tornado aircraft used by England and Germany, which are described as largely comparable to the Su-24. An American counterpart, the F-111, is acknowledged as once in service but now scarce.
According to the briefing, the Su-24M typically employs FAB-250 or FAB-500 series bombs with parachutes to stabilize the drop. The parachute helps the weapon enter the ground vertically and reduces blast risk to the aircraft during descent. The use of a parachute-equipped munition is especially important in fortified areas to ensure the bomb penetrates deeply before detonation. It is noted that the FAB-100 has a wider fragmentation zone and lacks a parachute, making it less suitable for very low altitude drops. A pilot emphasized that these munitions are highly effective when used properly, though controlling the aircraft at speeds around 800 to 1200 km/h at such low levels requires exceptional skill.
Analysts attribute the ability to fly at extremely low heights to reduce exposure to enemy radar and air defenses. Konstantin Sivkov, a member of the Russian Academy, explains that lower flight levels can keep the aircraft out of radar detection long enough to strike successfully. He notes that man-portable anti-aircraft systems lose effectiveness when the aircraft stays within certain altitude bands, while high-altitude radar fields can still pose a risk if active for prolonged periods. The discussion highlights the balance between stealth, speed, and maneuverability in avoiding countermeasures, as described in the coverage from socialbites.ca.
Another assessment suggests there is some risk from portable air defenses at very low altitudes, but the overall threat is assessed as manageable. The footage from the Ministry of Defense is cited as showing the aircraft deploying heat-seeking decoys to mislead missiles. Heat traps are designed to draw thermal homing heads away from the aircraft, which relies on detecting engine heat as described by the analysts. The decoys heat up rapidly, drawing the missile away from the plane, and then degrade as the pursuit continues. This sequence can extend the chase long enough to allow the aircraft to escape, or to reach a safer phase of flight. The explanation notes that once a decoy has served its purpose, the missile may run out of fuel and pass by harmlessly. The discussion concludes with a cautious assessment of the tactic and its reliance on sophisticated countermeasures rather than sheer weapon power alone.
In closing, the analysis underscores the importance of pilot training and the ability to execute these maneuvers under demanding conditions. The commentary emphasizes that handling such missions at extreme speeds and altitudes demands a high level of expertise and precise control, as explained by the participating experts and observers.