Autotranslated:
spoiler
MOSCOW, March 21 – RIA Novosti. Russia has launched mass production of three-ton high-explosive aerial bombs FAB-3000, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
“The production of FAB-500 aerial bombs has been increased many times, the production of FAB-1500 has been doubled, and since February of this year, mass production of FAB-3000 has been organized,” the Ministry of Defense said.
Russia has also expanded the range of ammunition produced. In addition, since last year the volume of production of modern artillery and aviation weapons has increased fivefold, the ministry added.
It is noted that such results were achieved thanks to the reactivation of capacities, technical re-equipment and modernization of production lines for the manufacture of projectiles using modern high-tech equipment.
Thus, since 2022, more than 45 thousand square meters of production space have been reconstructed, modernized and put into operation, the department emphasized.
At the enterprise that Shoigu visited, they said that most of its sections work around the clock on a three-shift schedule, and the total number of personnel has grown by more than 1,100 people.
“At the same time, tariff rates and salaries were increased and the bonus system for employees was changed, and therefore wages increased by an average of 20 percent,” the plant reported.
In general, as the Minister of Defense indicated, the Nizhny Novgorod defense industry enterprises fulfilled the tasks that were set for them a year ago. In addition, by introducing new facilities, they are working ahead of production schedule.
The FAB1500 has proven exceptionally effective when equipped with guidance modules at breaking Ukrainian fortified positions. It looks to me like the Russian military is simply learning what works and doing more of that.
They are still being used. Just yesterday there was another massive wave of missile launches, if i am not mistaken. Missiles are deep strike precision weapons, very useful for striking targets in the rear like logistics nodes but they don't pack quite the same punch and are in shorter supply.
Whereas cheaper and more abundant ordinance like the FAB are more appropriate for large scale everyday frontline use. You have to use the right tool for the right job.
I agree with that, that's why I'm concerned - have to wonder what the job in question is. What kind of fortification requires a three ton bomb? Especially a high-explosive one, as opposed to a armour breaking kind, like the BetAB series. I may have strong opinions on Ukrainian regime and the nazi battalions, doesn't mean I can't feel queasy about a free falling (if guided) bomb that can level a city block. Would prefer my country doesn't go all yankee style carpet bomb flattening of an enemy, ya know?
Taking out large NATO armor formations or groupings perhaps? Taking out NATO bases that get involved. That and big infrastructure, taking out bridges, big defense factory complexes. Putting big annoying holes in airfields if they try and use them for F-16 launches.
All kinds of things. It's still interesting to me how patient and precise Russia is. Avoiding sewing the seeds of future conflicts because unlike the US they do not benefit from such sewing next door to them most of all.
I also think it could be for psychological effects. Already you see the impacts of shell shock from these larger weapons. One goal is to demoralize the enemy, to sap their will to fight, to increase desertion, willingness to surrender, etc. Just seeing something that size going off nearby has to be terrifying.