Russia’s use of thermobaric weapons in Ukraine has drawn significant attention due to their devastating effects, but the development and deployment of these powerful bombs are not limited to Russia. Many countries, including the United States, China, and others, have also invested in thermobaric technology for its unique capabilities in modern warfare. The ODAB-1500 bomb used by Russia in a recent strike near Kupyansk highlights one application of these weapons, but this is part of a broader trend that has been evolving for decades.
What Are Thermobaric Weapons?
Thermobaric weapons, often called “vacuum bombs” or “enhanced blast weapons,” rely on the atmosphere’s oxygen to fuel their explosive power. Unlike conventional explosives that contain both fuel and oxidizer, thermobaric bombs release a fuel cloud, which, when ignited, causes a high-temperature explosion. This explosion generates a blast wave of immense pressure, followed by a rapid vacuum effect as the oxygen in the vicinity is consumed. The combination of intense overpressure and the subsequent vacuum makes these weapons particularly destructive in enclosed spaces such as bunkers, buildings, and tunnels.
The shockwave produced by thermobaric bombs can destroy structures, while the blast’s pressure differential causes catastrophic damage to the human body, including rupturing organs and lungs. This dual impact of extreme heat and pressure is why these weapons are both feared and controversial in modern conflict zones.
A Historical Overview
While Russia has become synonymous with thermobaric weapons in recent years, the technology’s roots trace back to the United States. During the Vietnam War in the 1960s, the US military sought more effective methods to clear minefields. This led to the development of fuel-air explosives (FAEs), early predecessors of modern thermobaric bombs. The CBU-55 and CBU-72 were some of the first FAEs, and they demonstrated their effectiveness in clearing large areas by creating overpressure explosions that detonated hidden mines.
Over time, the US refined its thermobaric capabilities. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, US forces used FAEs to destroy Iraqi bunkers and minefields. The reputation of these weapons grew due to their psychological and physical impacts on enemy forces, leading to their incorporation into various modern military arsenals. The US continues to maintain a range of thermobaric-capable weapons, including the AGM-114N Hellfire missile, which employs a Metal Augmented Charge (MAC) thermobaric warhead.
Russia’s Focus on Thermobaric Weapons
Russia has emerged as a leader in the development and use of thermobaric weapons, deploying them in conflicts ranging from Afghanistan in the 1980s to the Chechen Wars in the 1990s and more recently in Syria and Ukraine. The Soviet Union began developing thermobaric bombs and rocket systems in the late 20th century, with notable examples like the TOS-1 multiple rocket launcher system and ODAB-series bombs. These weapons were designed to target enemy fortifications and urban environments where conventional explosives were less effective.
Russia’s TOS-1, mounted on a tank platform, has become one of the most recognizable thermobaric systems. It was used during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and later saw action in Chechnya. The TOS-1 fires thermobaric rockets capable of devastating entrenched enemy positions, making it a valuable asset in urban warfare. More recently, Russia’s ODAB-1500 bomb, used in Ukraine, showcased the continuing evolution of these weapons. Equipped with advanced guidance systems, such as the Universal Correction and Guidance Module (UMPK), it can deliver precision strikes with massive destructive power.
Global Proliferation of Thermobaric Technology
The spread of thermobaric technology is not limited to Russia or the United States. Several other nations have developed and deployed these weapons, recognizing their strategic value. China, for instance, has created a range of thermobaric systems, including artillery rockets and infantry weapons. North Korea is also reported to have thermobaric artillery systems, which it has reportedly supplied to allied non-state actors in the Middle East.
According to information in the public domain, Iran has developed thermobaric weapons, including artillery rockets, which have been used by its proxies in regional conflicts. This highlights the potential for non-state actors to access and deploy these weapons, raising concerns about their use in unconventional warfare and terrorist attacks. In fact, improvised thermobaric explosive devices (IEDs) were used in the Bali bombings in 2002, demonstrating the destructive potential of these weapons outside of military contexts.
India and Brazil are also among the countries that have developed thermobaric weapons. India’s focus on this technology has been in response to its strategic needs in the region, while Brazil has sought to enhance its military capabilities. South Korea and Serbia have also reportedly developed thermobaric systems, further illustrating the global proliferation of this technology.
Ethical and Legal Controversies
The use of thermobaric weapons has been the subject of significant ethical and legal debate. Their devastating effects on both infrastructure and human bodies have led to calls for regulation and, in some cases, outright bans. In 1980, an effort was made to ban thermobaric weapons under the United Nations Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, but it failed to gain sufficient support.
Critics argue that thermobaric bombs should be classified as weapons of mass destruction, especially when used in populated areas. The intense blast and vacuum effects can lead to horrific civilian casualties, particularly in urban warfare. However, many nations maintain that thermobaric weapons are a necessary tool for specific military objectives, particularly in environments where fortified positions or tunnels make conventional explosives less effective.
The Future of Thermobaric Weapons
Despite the ethical concerns, thermobaric weapons remain a key component of military arsenals around the world. Their ability to destroy hardened targets and fortifications with fewer resources makes them a valuable asset in modern warfare. In urban combat, where enemy forces often hide in buildings or underground, thermobaric bombs provide a unique capability to flush out or eliminate entrenched positions.
The continued development and proliferation of these weapons suggest that they will remain a fixture in global conflicts for the foreseeable future.