Russia produces thermobaric drones, capable of causing ‘terrifying’ civilian damage, reports AP

Russia recently began producing thermobaric drones for use alongside decoy drones in Ukraine, capable of causing serious harm to civilians, an Associated Press (AP) investigation found on November 16.

While thermobaric warheads have would have already used by Russia in Ukraine on missiles, their use on attack drones would mark an escalation in the use of this warhead.

Thermobaric warheads create a wave of high pressure and heat capable of penetrating thick walls, AP reported. The damage caused by thermobaric attack drones would cause damage that would be “simply terrifying” to civilian populations, including collapsed lungs, crushed eyeballs and brain damage, according to a source familiar with Russian drone production.

Although controversial, thermobaric munitions are not prohibited by international law.

According to the AP investigation, the thermobaric weapons would be deployed alongside decoy drones intended to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses. Decoy drones have been used regularly in recent months as Russia has increased its drone attacks on Ukrainian cities since the beginning of September.

The Ukrainian Air Force previously said that Russia spear at least 4,300 Shahed-type attack drones and similar Shahed-like drones against Ukraine between August and October 2024.

Russia’s production of thermobaric drones, dubbed Operation False Target, is currently in production in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Russia continues to use drones to overwhelm Ukrainian cities in anticipation of planned attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities as the winter months approach. The use of thermobaric drones would likely be primarily used to penetrate thick walls and underground energy substations, ideal for targeting energy installations.

In recent months, Iran and China have continued to supply components for Russian attack drones.

Reuters reported on September 25, citing European intelligence sources, that Russia had secretly established a development and production program in China for attack drones intended for the war in Ukraine. While Iran has been continuously producing Shahed-type drones for use by Russia in Ukraine since the start of the large-scale war.

EU’s top diplomat Josep Borrell reportedly briefs European countries on ‘compelling’ evidence of Chinese production of ‘deadly aid’ to Russia, ahead of upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers on November 18, according to the German media Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). reported, citing three EU officials.

China positioned itself as neutral in the war between Russia and Ukraine, but simultaneously deep economic ties with Moscow and supported the country against Western sanctions.

Beijing has also become one of Russia’s main sources of financing. dual-use goods which fuel the Russian defense industry.