TOS-3: Russia's Thermobaric 'Vacuum Bomber' Is a Nightmare Weapon
The TOS-3, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, can launch incendiary projectiles up to 24 kilometers. Thermobaric weapons, also known as vacuum bombs, create intense explosions with lethal heat and shockwaves, often causing severe civilian harm, structural destruction, and long-lasting environmental damage.
What You Need to Know: Human Rights Watch has urged a global ban on incendiary weapons, highlighting their devastating impact on civilians in conflicts such as those in the Middle East and Ukraine.
-The report, "Beyond Burning," was released just before Russia announced its new TOS-3 Drakon thermobaric rocket system, which reportedly surpasses previous models in destructive power.
-The TOS-3, mounted on a T-72 tank chassis, can launch incendiary projectiles up to 24 kilometers.
-Thermobaric weapons, also known as vacuum bombs, create intense explosions with lethal heat and shockwaves, often causing severe civilian harm, structural destruction, and long-lasting environmental damage.
Russia’s New TOS-3 Drakon: A Deadly Leap in Thermobaric Warfare
This week, Human Rights Watch issued a call for the banning of incendiary weapons in a newly released report, "Beyond Burning: The Ripple Effects of Incendiary Weapons and Increasing Calls for International Action." The study examined the recent use of such weapons in ongoing conflicts, including in the Middle East and Ukraine.
"Incendiary weapons are being used in several conflicts, endangering civilian lives and livelihoods," said Bonnie Docherty, senior arms advisor at Human Rights Watch and author of the report. "Governments need to take immediate action to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, and the environment from the horrific effects of these weapons."
The study's release came just a day before Russia announced that it could soon deploy a new heavy flamethrower. The yet-to-be-deployed TOS-3 Drakon (Dragon) could offer "firepower exceeding the effect of several ODAB-500P air bombs," according to a report from Russian state media, citing the Rostec press office.
Dragon Fire
The Russian military-industrial conglomerate highlighted the capabilities of the TOS-3 Drakon – while noting that it will exceed those of the TOS-1A Solntsepyok and TOS-2 Tosochkra heavy flamethrowers currently in service. Though described as "flamethrowers," the platforms are actually thermobaric rocket launchers. The use of such ordnance has been controversial due to their indiscriminate nature and potential for civilian casualties.
"The Solntsepyok burns out an area of four hectares by a full salvo while the Tosochka already scorches a territory of six hectares. The efficiency can be compared to the effect of Iskanders [tactical missile systems]. A full salvo by the new heavy flamethrower system, which is a follow-up of the weapons that have proven their worth, exceeds the effect of several heavy air bombs, for example, ODAB-500Ps by its striking power. This is also because the new system will make it possible to strike multilayered targets like fortifications spread over a large area more effectively," Rostec added.
The TOS-3 was displayed for the first time in June at a public event commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Russian Army's 1st Mobile NBC Protection Brigade. According to Defense Express, the Drakon can launch incendiary projectiles upwards of 24 kilometers (15 miles) or well beyond visual range.
Unlike the TOS-2, which saw the launchers mounted on the Ural wheeled all-wheel drive chassis, the TOS-3 Drakon is mounted on a T-72 main battle tank (MBT) chassis, which could provide greater protection to the crew.
Thermobaric or Just Barbaric
When deployed, thermobaric ordnance is a devastating weapon as it employs oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion.
Also known as aerosol or vacuum bombs, these can create a massive shockwave followed by a fire cloud where the temperature can reach 2500-3000 degrees Celsius (4500-5450 Fahrenheit).
In addition to certainly killing anyone within the blast radius, the heat from the weapon can cause significant damage to structures and vehicles –igniting any fuels and lubricants, as well as setting off any ordnance. Many targets are essentially vaporized.
Anyone who survives the blast can't be described as the "lucky one," as they often have severe injuries to the lungs, eyes, ears, and colon.
Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
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