Together, these weapons challenge medical response, legal norms and public trust in ways that conventional munitions do not. 

<p>Together, these weapons challenge medical response, legal norms and public trust in ways that conventional munitions do not.&nbsp;</p>

'Weapons of fear': Terrifying science behind thermobaric, radiological and chemical arms

From shoulder-fired rockets to giant air-dropped bombs, here are the world’s most powerful thermobaric weapons, ranked from deadly to devastating.

<p>From shoulder-fired rockets to giant air-dropped bombs, here are the world’s most powerful thermobaric weapons, ranked from deadly to devastating.</p>

Deadly to devastating: 6 thermobaric bombs that turn air into a weapon of war

Unlike conventional explosives, which rely on a rapid chemical blast, thermobaric devices use atmospheric oxygen to sustain their explosion, creating higher temperatures and longer shockwaves.

<p>Unlike conventional explosives, which rely on a rapid chemical blast, thermobaric devices use atmospheric oxygen to sustain their explosion, creating higher temperatures and longer shockwaves.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Inside world’s deadliest ‘vacuum bombs’: How thermobaric weapons create hottest, longest blasts in war

<p>Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ODAB-9000 is a 'vacuum bomb', considered the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the world. It packs a nasty punch, with an explosive power equivalent to 44,000 kilogrammes of TNT or Trinitrotoluene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It falls under the category of 'thermobaric' weapons that can create a wave of blasts by using oxygen from the air.&nbsp;This gives them the moniker 'vacuum bomb' and makes them capable of wreaking havoc in large swaths of territory while suffocating the living beings in the impact area.</p>

<p>Watch the explosion below:<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot verify the authenticity of visuals shared on social media.</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A video has been posted online that allegedly shows the explosion of a powerful bomb in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region.<br />
<br />
Some Russian military experts write that this is the first use of the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, which is called the “Kuzkin's father” and “father of all bombs” and is… <a href="https://t.co/pvttxviKlp">pic.twitter.com/pvttxviKlp</a></p>
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) <a href="https://twitter.com/wartranslated/status/1841408889486463172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>If the reports are confirmed, this would be the first recorded use of ODAB-9000 in combat, but the jury is divided on this.</p>

<p>The internet seems to be on a guessing game whether Russia indeed used the superbomb ODAB-9000, or a less lethal variety of it, or something altogether different.</p>

<p>According to some reports, what was used in Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region,&nbsp;maybe a smaller bomb, the ODAB-1500.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-russian-president-putin-draws-a-nuclear-red-line-for-the-west-762362/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emergency-situation-in-russian-city-as-ukraine-hits-depots-housing-2000-tonnes-of-munitions-760786">Also read: ‘Emergency situation’ in Russian city as Ukraine hits depots housing ‘2,000 tonnes of munitions’</a></strong><br />
<br />
There were some who suggested that the weapon used could have been an FAB-3000.</p>

<p>FAB-3000, which is a Russian acronym that translates into “High-Explosive Aviation Bomb”, is no mean beast either. It's a powerful weapon that can engage in long-range precision strikes on fortified positions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-knew-about-ukraines-kursk-plans-was-preparing-for-months-report-760371">Also read: Russia knew about Ukraine’s Kursk plans, was preparing for months: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Designers of the ODAB-9000 had earlier said that the bomb may not be deployed in the ongoing Ukraine war.</p>

<p>Did Russia break that promise?</p>

<p>Whatever the bomb used, the strike on Vovchansk was very powerful as one could see from the visuals.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></p>


Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by.

Russia may have used ODAB-9000, known as the 'father of all bombs', on Ukraine during a recent attack on the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as part of its ongoing war, if some reports online and social media posts are to go by. ODAB-9000 is a 'vacuum bomb', considered the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in the world. It packs a nasty punch, with an explosive power equivalent to 44,000 kilogrammes of TNT or Trinitrotoluene. It falls under the category of 'thermobaric' weapons that can create a wave of blasts by using oxygen from the air. This gives them the moniker 'vacuum bomb' and makes them capable of wreaking havoc in large swaths of territory while suffocating the living beings in the impact area. Watch the explosion below: Disclaimer: WION cannot verify the authenticity of visuals shared on social media. A video has been posted online that allegedly shows the explosion of a powerful bomb in Vovchansk, Kharkiv region. Some Russian military experts write that this is the first use of the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, which is called the “Kuzkin's father” and “father of all bombs” and is… pic.twitter.com/pvttxviKlp — WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) October 2, 2024 × If the reports are confirmed, this would be the first recorded use of ODAB-9000 in combat, but the jury is divided on this. The internet seems to be on a guessing game whether Russia indeed used the superbomb ODAB-9000, or a less lethal variety of it, or something altogether different. According to some reports, what was used in Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region, maybe a smaller bomb, the ODAB-1500. Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Russian President Putin draws a nuclear red line for the West × Also read: ‘Emergency situation’ in Russian city as Ukraine hits depots housing ‘2,000 tonnes of munitions’ There were some who suggested that the weapon used could have been an FAB-3000. FAB-3000, which is a Russian acronym that translates into “High-Explosive Aviation Bomb”, is no mean beast either. It's a powerful weapon that can engage in long-range precision strikes on fortified positions. Also read: Russia knew about Ukraine’s Kursk plans, was preparing for months: Report Designers of the ODAB-9000 had earlier said that the bomb may not be deployed in the ongoing Ukraine war. Did Russia break that promise? Whatever the bomb used, the strike on Vovchansk was very powerful as one could see from the visuals. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Watch: Did Russia use 'father of all bombs', the ODAB-9000 vacuum bomb, on Ukraine?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidqJNthi7YEiWv" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p>If a video shared by some media outlets is to be believed, Russia is using an illegal weapon that apparently takes oxygen out of human lungs, and Ukraine has claimed to have destroyed it.&nbsp;The dramatic aerial video was shared by the Ukrainian defence ministry on Wednesday (February 15) on its official Twitter page showing&nbsp;Ukraine destroying thermobaric weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by CNN said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been using such weapons in Ukraine which can cause massive casualties on the front lines. The report mentioned that this weapon takes the oxygen out of people's lungs when detonated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-russia-fires-dozens-of-missiles-says-kyiv-norway-approves-aid-worth-74-billion-562686">Russia-Ukraine war: Israel ‘committed to sovereignty’ of Ukraine, says foreign minister</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Since the Russia-Ukraine war started last year, claims and counterclaims have been made from both sides over the use of non-conventional weapons, including biological weapons or radioactive dirty bombs. However, both nations deny the accusations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both sides even claimed that war crimes have been committed, however, none of the allegations has been materialised so far, with the international community vowing to continue the probe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;the report by CNN, the launcher which was destroyed reportedly in the Donbas region was either a TOS-1 or TOS-1A. The available information suggests that the Russian forces used the TOS-1A during the invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">russian TOS-1A Solntsepyok [“scorched sunlight”] scorched by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAarmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAarmy</a>.<br />
<br />
🎥 72nd Mechanized Brigade <a href="https://t.co/KY0XwcGvhr">pic.twitter.com/KY0XwcGvhr</a></p>
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1625789141962072066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>What is TOS-1A Solntsepyok (‘scorched sunlight’)?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In a report by the British defence ministry, which was published on March 9 last year, it was mentioned that the TOS-1A uses thermobaric rockets, creating incendiary and blast effects. Several reports claimed that the Soviets refer to this weapon as a "heavy flamethrower".&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts have noted that TOS-1 and TOS-1A 220mm artillery systems can launch between 24 and 30 thermobaric rockets. They are mounted on the main battle tank chassis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rosoboronexport, the Russian state defence organisation, said on its website that the TOS-1A is "designed to suppress a whole variety of covered and open targets with thermobaric rockets".&nbsp;</p>

<p>These weapons are said to be "extremely lethal" with great combat capabilities. The Russian state defence organisation also mentioned that it can be combat-ready within 90 seconds, with its shortest firing range being 600m. The data also included that the weapon has a maximum range of 5.6 miles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by The Eurasian Times, Sebastian Roblin, who is a military expert, noted that a "TOS-1 rocket barrage will wipe out everything within the 200-by-300m blast zone".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added: "Victims near the centre of a TOS-1 blast radius are crushed to death. Further out, the overpressure can break bones, dislocate eyes, cause internal hemorrhaging, and rupture eardrums, bowels, and other internal organs. It also sucks the air out of victims’ lungs, possibly causing them to collapse, leading to death by suffocation. (sic)"&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. If a video shared by some media outlets is to be believed, Russia is using an illegal weapon that apparently takes oxygen out of human lungs, and Ukraine has claimed to have destroyed it. The dramatic aerial video was shared by the Ukrainian defence ministry on Wednesday (February 15) on its official Twitter page showing Ukraine destroying thermobaric weapons. A report by CNN said that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been using such weapons in Ukraine which can cause massive casualties on the front lines. The report mentioned that this weapon takes the oxygen out of people's lungs when detonated. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine war: Israel ‘committed to sovereignty’ of Ukraine, says foreign minister Since the Russia-Ukraine war started last year, claims and counterclaims have been made from both sides over the use of non-conventional weapons, including biological weapons or radioactive dirty bombs. However, both nations deny the accusations. Both sides even claimed that war crimes have been committed, however, none of the allegations has been materialised so far, with the international community vowing to continue the probe. According to the report by CNN, the launcher which was destroyed reportedly in the Donbas region was either a TOS-1 or TOS-1A. The available information suggests that the Russian forces used the TOS-1A during the invasion of Ukraine. Watch the video: russian TOS-1A Solntsepyok [“scorched sunlight”] scorched by #UAarmy. 🎥 72nd Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/KY0XwcGvhr — Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 15, 2023 × What is TOS-1A Solntsepyok (‘scorched sunlight’)? In a report by the British defence ministry, which was published on March 9 last year, it was mentioned that the TOS-1A uses thermobaric rockets, creating incendiary and blast effects. Several reports claimed that the Soviets refer to this weapon as a "heavy flamethrower". Experts have noted that TOS-1 and TOS-1A 220mm artillery systems can launch between 24 and 30 thermobaric rockets. They are mounted on the main battle tank chassis. Rosoboronexport, the Russian state defence organisation, said on its website that the TOS-1A is "designed to suppress a whole variety of covered and open targets with thermobaric rockets". These weapons are said to be "extremely lethal" with great combat capabilities. The Russian state defence organisation also mentioned that it can be combat-ready within 90 seconds, with its shortest firing range being 600m. The data also included that the weapon has a maximum range of 5.6 miles. As quoted by The Eurasian Times, Sebastian Roblin, who is a military expert, noted that a "TOS-1 rocket barrage will wipe out everything within the 200-by-300m blast zone". He added: "Victims near the centre of a TOS-1 blast radius are crushed to death. Further out, the overpressure can break bones, dislocate eyes, cause internal hemorrhaging, and rupture eardrums, bowels, and other internal organs. It also sucks the air out of victims’ lungs, possibly causing them to collapse, leading to death by suffocation. (sic)" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dramatic aerial video shows Ukraine destroying 'Russian weapon that rips oxygen out of lungs'