OVERVIEW: The FAB-250M-79 (Retarded) is a Soviet 250 kg general-purpose bomb fitted with a drag-retardation device for low-altitude release. It contains a warhead of approximately 100–120 kg of high explosive, optimized for use in close air support and battlefield interdiction roles.

DETAIL: This retarded variant of the FAB-250M-79 incorporates a tail-mounted drag device, typically a parachute or mechanical fin system, allowing aircraft to safely release the bomb at low altitude without entering its blast envelope. The retarder mechanism slows the bomb's descent, extending the delivery aircraft's survivability in low-level attack profiles.

The core structure and explosive filling of the bomb remain consistent with the standard FAB-250M-79, but the retarder tail assembly modifies its aerodynamic properties and trajectory. Fuzing options are generally impact or delayed-action types, compatible with both instantaneous and airburst configurations.

The bomb is deployed primarily from tactical strike aircraft such as the Su-25, Su-24, and MiG-23BN, particularly in missions requiring rapid ingress and egress. It has been widely used in conflicts where close air support and low-level attack runs are necessary.

NOTE:
IOC: ~1980s
Operators: Russia, former USSR states, Syria, Algeria, Iraq
Platform: Su-25, Su-24, MiG-23BN, others
Conflicts: Afghanistan (1979–1989), Chechnya, Syrian Civil War, others

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org ; TsNIITochMash Technical Reports