OVERVIEW: The RN-28 is a tactical, air-dropped nuclear bomb developed by the Soviet Union, designed for battlefield use with a yield of approximately 1 kiloton.

DETAIL: The RN-28, also known by its GRAU index 8U49, was introduced in the early 1970s as a lightweight tactical nuclear option for Soviet strike aircraft. It was optimized for delivery by fast-moving aircraft such as the Su-17, Su-24, or MiG-21. Its compact size allowed it to be deployed on smaller platforms and in greater numbers, making it suitable for frontline or interdiction missions.

The bomb used a fission-based design and could be delivered from low to medium altitude. While specific internal components remain classified, it is believed to have included variable fuzing for either airburst or ground detonation. The RN-28 was intended for attacking enemy force concentrations, airfields, hardened points, or staging areas during a high-intensity conflict in Europe.

It was stored under strict security protocols and loaded only with special authorization. Its deployment emphasized deterrence and flexibility in limited nuclear strike planning. The RN-28 was gradually retired after the Cold War, with most remaining stocks dismantled under disarmament agreements.

NOTE:
IOC: ~1973
Operators: Soviet Union (retired)
Platform: Su-17, Su-24, MiG-21bis, MiG-27
Conflicts: None (deployed during Cold War for deterrence)

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; Jane’s Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS) ; IISS Military Balance ; SIPRI Nuclear Forces Databook https://fas.org ; https://www.iiss.org ; https://www.sipri.org