Kathrine Frich
In the past month alone, five new cases were documented.
In the past month alone, five new cases were documented.
A Stunning Statistic: Over 100 Self-Inflicted Bombings
According to independent Russian outlet Astra, Russia has accidentally bombed its own territory or occupied areas at least 100 times since the beginning of 2025.
The report cites 93 FAB bombs, seven UMPBs (precision-guided glide bombs), and three missiles dropped by Russian aircraft.
Airspace Tactics May Be to Blame
Facing Ukrainian air defences, Russian aircraft are often forced to launch munitions from within Russian airspace, aiming across the border.
But this tactic can backfire when wing kits on bombs fail to deploy correctly, causing the weapons to fall short of their targets.
Belgorod Takes the Brunt
In the past month alone, five new cases were documented.
Two bombs, a FAB-250 and a FAB-500, landed in Russia’s Belgorod region, one in the village of Bogdanovka and another alarmingly close to homes in Bershakovo.
No casualties were reported, but the danger remains stark.
Soviet-Era Bombs with a Modern Twist
The FAB series bombs, originally developed in the 1950s, were unguided high-explosive devices.
Since 2023, Russia has retrofitted many of them with wing kits and satellite navigation systems, turning them into low-cost glide bombs.
But the system isn’t foolproof.
Civilian Risk & Misinformation
Astra reports that Russian authorities have attempted to cover up these incidents, often blaming Ukrainian attacks for the damage and injuries caused by misfired Russian bombs.
In at least one known case, an accidental strike was presented to the public as an enemy assault.
Accidental Bombings on the Rise
This isn’t a new trend. In 2024, Astra documented at least 165 similar incidents, showing a pattern of technical failures and operational hazards.
The 2025 numbers, though lower so far, still represent a troubling continuation of the problem.
Occupied Territories Also Hit
It’s not just mainland Russia facing the risk.
Bombs have also landed in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine, further complicating Moscow’s military campaign and highlighting the chaotic logistics behind its aerial operations.
The Power of the FAB Bombs
The FAB-500, one of the bombs involved in recent incidents, contains around 300 kg of explosives, enough to level buildings and cause significant civilian casualties.
The FAB-250, though smaller, still delivers a powerful 100 kg payload.
Why the Bombs Fail
The core issue lies in the wing deployment mechanism.
These kits, designed to guide bombs over long distances, can malfunction, especially under rushed or suboptimal launch conditions.
Without proper trajectory, the bombs fall short or veer off-course.
A War Risking Its Own Backyard
These accidental bombings reveal the technical vulnerabilities in Russia’s air campaign and the dangers posed to its own citizens.
While the Kremlin focuses on targets across the border, the consequences are being felt uncomfortably close to home.
