Spectacular and devastating, thermobaric weapons are a new tool of Russian military propaganda

In a moment, with a deafening roar, great mushrooms of fire sow death and desolation. was afraid By Ukrainian forces, the TOS-1A Solntsepek (“sunlight” in French) systems are considered by Moscow to be the country’s most powerful non-nuclear weapons. Almost five months after the first evidence about them, they are still being used in Ukraine, France Info discovered from video documents.

In late June, Moscow for the first time authorized their use in the conflict. Then the Russian Ministry of Defense published Hollywood style video*, to ensure that it promotes a weapon that is impossible “to get accommodation”. Consisting of a chassis and launcher, the system presented itself from every angle like a sophisticated sedan. With overlays of images of strikes filmed by drones.

The principle is strong. The first load of these 220 mm missiles “Vaporizes highly flammable gas”, explains franceinfo Stéphane Audrand, a consultant specializing in weapons. A millisecond later, a second charge ignites the thermobaric compound. Temperatures can then reach 3,000 degrees and ambient oxygen is consumed “In a Second”This leads to “A case of extreme stress”. Air is first drawn in, creating a vacuum effect (negative pressure) and permeating everywhere (positive pressure) before being released in the breath of fire.

“There’s no protection. The high pressure seeps into every nook and cranny and pressure-cooks the enemy. It’s terrifying.”

Stephen Adrant is a consultant specializing in military weapons

At franceinfo

These weapons are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “vacuum bombs”. Still theirs “The fatal outcome is due to lack of oxygen, rather than pulmonary barotrauma” Caused by pressure differential, explains Special issue Security technology (in English). Even with this cocktail of fire and shockwaves targeting troops positioned in shelters, they don’t stand a chance.

The video from the Russian Ministry of Defense did not surprise many, since the use of TOS-1As has been known for a long time. The Zvezda TV channel under the Ministry of Defense had already mentioned, In early March*, a Russian sergeant, the writer’s exploits “From a precision view of TOS-1A” In the Chernihiv region, north of Kiev. A fortnight later, the press service of the Donetsk militia realized A long video* To demonstrate its punching power. At the end of April, pro-Kremlin agency Anna also broadcast A statement* As close as possible to these weapons.

What are these weapons used for? To understand this, franceinfo collected several video documents and was able to establish geographical correspondences for about twenty images: in the Kharkhiv region (northeast), Kherson (south), and especially the Donbass front (east).

For example, in late June and early July, several pro-Russian accounts claimed TOS-1As were mobilized during an offensive in the Luhansk region that took control of the city of Lysychansk. The targets were located on the southern axis of this key city, which was finally lost by Ukraine on July 3.

Basic technique: “If the Russian military stumbles somewhere, it shavesComments by Stéphane Audrand. It is useful in neutralizing enemy infantry at a particular location.” Russia “Givesapplication TOS-1A By ground forces, within the framework of mechanized maneuvers to support infantry”The weapons expert continues.