Nowhere to Hide: A Rundown of the Russian Bombs Being Dropped on ISIL

During precision airstrikes, Russian weaponry is launched from high altitudes to evade mobile air-defense systems.

The precision bombs typically use the GLONASS navigation system to destroy targets, the Russian developed alternative to GPS, whereas missiles are guided by a weapons system operator.

The precision weapons include is the KAB guided bomb, which includes two modifications such as KAB-250 and KAB-500.The KAB-250 bomb was designed in the 2000s for the Russian fifth generation PAK-FA fighter jet. Its distinctive egg-shaped form can be explained by the fact that this bomb is mounted in inside the plane's bays.

The bomb is also used by advanced Russian warplanes, including the Su-34 bombers, which are currently taking part in the air operation in Syria. The aircraft drop these bombs on Islamic State targets from an altitude of 5,000 meters.

As far as laser-guided missiles in use in Syria are concerned, they differ in ammunition power and include laser-guided versions of the Kh-25L and Kh-29L.

The Russian ground-support fighter jets Su-24 and Su-25 also use non-guided air bombs in Syria, where a sophisticated targeting system helps pilots to plant bombs with total accuracy.

Additionally, special bunker-busting BETAB-500 air bombs are used in Syria to eliminate Islamic State command centers, which are multilevel underground bunkers made of reinforced concrete.

The concrete-piercing BETAB-500 bombs are equipped with a jet booster, which allows the bombs to completely destroy any underground installation.

Also being dropped on Islamic State militants in Syria are the fragmentation and demolition air bombs OFAB-250, which are specifically used to destroy unprotected targets, including enemy arms depots and training camps.