Russia ramps up production of fearsome thermobaric weapons amid conflict

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's visit to the Uralvagonzavod plants has given Russians a reason to highlight their increased production capabilities, specifically regarding the TOS-1A thermobaric missile launchers.

Before the conflict in Ukraine, the Russian army possessed around 50 TOS-1A units. These launchers have proven effective on the battlefield, prompting a decision to ramp up their production. Russian sources claim that the output of TOS-1A systems has surged by 250 percent.

Although this figure might not be entirely accurate, the expanded manufacturing of TOS-1A systems spells trouble for Ukraine. The deployment of these weapons poses a greater danger than standard artillery because they fire thermobaric missiles, which carry a fuel-air mixture instead of traditional explosives.

Upon detonation, this mixture releases a flammable aerosol, leading to powerful explosions reminiscent of coal dust blasts in mines.

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The detonation of thermobaric charges results in deadly pressure surges and a fireball that depletes oxygen in the vicinity. A thermobaric explosion's reach and destructive capacity surpass those of conventional explosives of similar size.

Thermobaric weapons are particularly effective against field fortifications and lightly armoured targets. Their power is likened to tactical nukes, minus the radioactive aftermath.

The TOS-1A Solntsepyok, a modernization of the older TOS-1M Buratino, is termed a "heavy flamethrower" in Russian military parlance. Developed in the early 1980s, it saw action in Afghanistan.

It utilizes a T-72 tank chassis combined with a thermobaric missile launcher. Originally, it housed 30 guides. The upgrade to the TOS-1A configuration reduced the guides to 24, aiming to reduce the time needed to fire a complete salvo.

This adjustment addresses the system's major drawback: its limited range, which extends to a maximum of nearly 10 kilometres. Due to this limitation, these launchers are typically deployed alongside tanks for protection, employing tactics designed to minimize exposure to enemy fire. In addition to the tracked version, a lighter TOS-2 variant has been developed on a wheeled chassis.