A Russian Su-34 fighter accidentally dropped a BetAB-500 SHP concrete bomb on Belgorod

On the evening of 20 April, a powerful explosion occurred in the Russian city of Belgorod. A Su-34 fighter jet appeared to have dropped a bomb. The defence ministry said there had been an "unauthorised air munitions drop".

Here's What We Know

According to surveillance video footage that emerged the day after the explosion, the aircraft dropped a BetAB-500 SHP concrete bomb. The nature of the explosion suggests exactly that.

The bomb is equipped with a rocket booster. It is designed to destroy highways, reinforced concrete fortifications and runways. The use of a rocket booster allows the munition to gain the necessary speed when dropped from low altitudes.

The engine is designed for 2.2 kg of solid propellant. The BETAB-500 SHP, which is a modification of the BETAB-500, is capable of penetrating several metres into the ground. This is followed by an explosion. The warhead of the concrete bomb weighs 45kg. The Su-34 fighters were armed with such munitions less than three years ago.

Source: Defence Express