The Economist explains

What are thermobaric weapons, and does Russia have them in Ukraine?

Also known as “vacuum bombs”, they are fearsomely destructive when used indiscriminately

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - MAY 7, 2021: TOS-1A Solntsepyok multiple rocket launchers move along Moscow's Red Square during a dress rehearsal of a military parade marking the 76th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. Gavriil Grigorov/TASS (Photo by Gavriil Grigorov\TASS via Getty Images)

SINCE RUSSIA invaded Ukraine on February 24th, Ukrainian officials and human-rights organisations have raised the alarm over the possible use of thermobaric weapons or “vacuum bombs”, with horrifying accounts of how they suck the air out of victims’ lungs. On March 9th Britain’s defence ministry said that Russia had confirmed it is using the weapons in Ukraine. How does a thermobaric weapon work, and what role might they play in the war?

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