OVERVIEW: The KAB-500L is a 500 kg-class Russian precision-guided bomb with a semi-active laser seeker, designed for use against stationary, high-value targets. It features a high-explosive fragmentation warhead and offers significant accuracy improvements over unguided munitions.

DETAILS: Developed by GNPP Region, the KAB-500L is Russia’s standard laser-guided bomb and has been in operational use since the late 1980s. The bomb consists of a standard FAB-500M-62 body fitted with a laser seeker and guidance module. It uses reflected laser energy from a designator (airborne or ground-based) to home in on the target. Upon release, the bomb deploys control fins to steer toward the illuminated point, with accuracy typically within 5–7 meters CEP.

The KAB-500L has been widely integrated on Russian and export fighter-bomber platforms and is often seen as a functional analogue to the U.S. GBU-12 Paveway II, albeit with a larger warhead. It’s designed to destroy bunkers, runways, infrastructure, and fixed high-value assets.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Guidance: Semi-active laser homing
Warhead: ~210 kg high-explosive fragmentation (from FAB-500M-62)
Length: ~3.05 m
Diameter: ~0.4 m
Wingspan: ~0.75 m
Total Weight: ~525 kg
Platforms: Su-24M, Su-30SM, Su-34, Su-35, MiG-29SMT, MiG-35, others

Range: ~10–15 km (release altitude dependent)
Accuracy: ≤ 7 meters CEP

NOTES:
IOC: 1979
Operators: Russia, India, Algeria, Syria, Angola, Vietnam
Combat Use: Used by Russian forces in Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine for precision strikes
Interesting Fact: The KAB-500L is based on a conventional iron bomb, but achieves PGM-level accuracy using Soviet-era laser guidance—a cost-effective upgrade path later mirrored by several other countries.

SOURCES:
Ausairpower; KTRV / GNPP Region official site ktrv.ru; Airforce Technology - KAB Series Overview; Jane’s Air-Launched Weapons (Latest editions); SIPRI Arms Transfers Database; TASS News Agency (archival reporting); Russian MoD and RuAF press footage confirming KAB-500L use in Syria (2015–2017)