weapon

Ukrainian Forces Increasingly⁤ Target Russian TOS-1A thermobaric Rocket Launchers with Drones

KHARKIV REGION,⁤ UKRAINE – ⁣ Ukrainian forces are⁤ demonstrating a growing ability to neutralize one of russia’s most destructive weapons – the TOS-1A‍ thermobaric rocket launcher – using first-person⁣ view ⁢(FPV) drones. Recent reports and footage‌ indicate multiple successful attacks on the systems, highlighting a vulnerability despite the​ weapon’s fearsome‍ reputation.

Operators from a specific Ukrainian regiment reportedly destroyed two TOS-1A systems using ‍FPV drones, as⁤ shown in footage published online (here). The video depicts one launcher being⁢ struck⁤ while stationary and another while attempting to retreat. While the authenticity ⁤of the footage hasn’t been ​independently verified by the kyiv Post, it adds ⁣to⁢ a pattern of successful drone strikes.

Similar successes were reported in June, with the “Khortytsky wind” brigade announcing the destruction of a TOS-1A, a tank, and several⁢ soldiers in the ‍Kharkiv region (link).Earlier, in September⁤ 2023, the 24th Separate‍ Mechanized Brigade⁢ claimed to have disabled another system near the town of Time jar in the‍ Donetsk region (link), ⁢hitting it directly during a launch sequence.

The Devastating Power of the TOS-1A

The TOS-1A is a heavy rocket launcher⁣ mounted on ‍a tank chassis,‍ designed to⁣ deliver thermobaric munitions. These weapons, frequently enough called ‌”vacuum bombs,” function by first dispersing a flammable aerosol into​ the air,‍ followed by ignition. This creates an⁤ exceptionally ⁤powerful explosion characterized‍ by a prolonged pressure wave and extremely high temperatures, consuming oxygen within the blast radius.

These weapons⁤ are ‍considered especially devastating ​in‌ enclosed spaces, creating a lethal ‌combination of pressure, heat, and oxygen deprivation. Explosion temperatures can exceed ⁣2,000 ​degrees celsius, ⁣and the pressure wave lasts ⁤longer then conventional‌ explosives, increasing ⁢the extent of damage and ​the risk of severe burns and internal​ injuries.

Despite Russian claims that ⁤the TOS-1A has “no direct equivalent anywhere in ‌the world,” the ⁤system possesses ‍significant weaknesses. It is indeed large,heavy,and relatively ‍lightly armored,making it susceptible to anti-tank weapons,grenade launchers,and,increasingly,drones. ⁤

Moreover, the thermobaric ammunition ⁢itself presents a hazard. In June⁢ 2024, ammunition from a TOS-1A exploded in the Russian border town of Šebekino in the‍ Belgorod region, resulting ⁣in the deaths of three ⁤Russian​ soldiers, as reported by ⁢the Kyiv Post.

The TOS-1A ⁣is primarily used against lightly armored targets, ⁣infantry in open​ terrain, and fortifications. The cost of‍ a single system is estimated to range between $6.5 ‍and $15 ‍million.