Concerns are mounting that Russia is preparing to use thermobaric weapons as part of its invasion of Ukraine.
A demonstration of the firing capabilities of the TOS-1 Solntsepyok (Blazing Sun) multiple thermobaric rocket launcher at an army forum in the Moscow region in August 2020. Photo: Sputnik via AFP
The weapons - which effectively set the air on fire, creating a massive shock wave and sucking the air out of the lungs of its victims - have reportedly been seen near the city of Kharkiv, in Ukraine's east.
Their use would mark an escalation in the assault by Russian forces, which are targeting cities across the country, including the capital Kyiv.
CNN reported today that Russian TOS-1 rocket launchers, able to launch up to 30 rockets armed with thermobaric warheads, had mobilised in eastern Ukraine.
What are thermobaric weapons?
The weapons come in various sizes, from rocket-propelled grenades designed for close combat, to large versions that can be deployed from planes.
The russian army has deployed the TOS-1 heavy flamethrower which shoots thermobaric rockets, the was South of Belgorod. pic.twitter.com/XCxMI3bNB3
— Frederik Pleitgen (@fpleitgenCNN) February 26, 2022
The explosives ignite the surrounding air, producing a lethal shock wave and sucking the air from the lungs of anyone in the vicinity.
Far more powerful than conventional explosives, thermobaric weapons - also known as fuel-air bombs and vacuum bombs - also have a longer burn time, which increases their destructive capacity.
How do they work?
A typical fuel-air bomb consists of a container of fuel and two separate explosive charges.
The first charge bursts open the container to disperse the fuel in a cloud that mixes with oxygen in the air.
In what situations are they used?
The nature of their blast means the bombs are effective in open areas, as well as confined spaces, such as bunkers, caves and urban areas.
As the war in Ukraine looks more likely to move to cities across the country, the chances of thermobaric weapons being used is increasing.
Are they new?
No.
The idea for the weapons has been around since World War II. However, it was some time before they were deployed.
American forces used thermobaric weapons in Vietnam, where they were more effective than napalm at clearing large swathes of jungle to allow helicopters to land.
They were also used in Afghanistan in the wake of 9/11 as the United States hunted Osama bin Laden in the caves of the mountainous Tora Bora region.
Russian forces also have a history with the weapons, having deployed them in the Chechnya conflict more than two decades ago.
- ABC
