Russia has confirmed it has used thermobaric weapons in Ukraine, according to the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
It said its Russian counterpart said the TOS-1A weapon system had been deployed.
The UK MoD said the system uses thermobaric rockets, creating incendiary and blast effects.
The Russian MoD has confirmed the use of the TOS-1A weapon system in Ukraine. The TOS-1A uses thermobaric rockets, creating incendiary and blast effects.
Watch the video below for more information about this weapon and its devastating impact.
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Thermobaric weapons suck in oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion, typically producing a blast wave of a significantly longer duration than that of a conventional explosive.
They are capable of vaporising human bodies.
Last week, a Russian-language account on the Telegram messaging app identified what open-source analysts said appeared to be a Russian TOS-1A thermobaric multiple launch rocket system on a road between Kyiv and the town of Sumy.
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It comes as Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced the UK government will send more weapons to Ukraine, including fresh supplies of anti-tank missiles.
He told MPs the UK has delivered 3,615 anti-tank (NLAW) weapons and will soon be supplying a “small consignment” of Javelin anti-tank missiles.
He said the Russians are “changing their tactics and so the Ukrainians need to too”, to help Ukraine forces tackle President Putin’s air force.
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Mr Wallace also said the UK will soon be supplying a “small consignment” of Javelin anti-tank missiles and exploring the possibility of donating Starstreak anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine.
Supplies of rations, medical equipment and other non-lethal military aid will also be increased, the defence secretary said.
