The war in Ukraine continues with particular ferocity, with the belligerents increasingly using original-imaginative techniques to impose themselves on each other, some of which are described as extremely cruel.
Russians for the first time equip kamikaze drones with a thermobaric missile
One of them is the equipping of Russian kamikaze drones with TBG-7V thermobaric missile, as a reputable international military media outlet reported in an article, noting:
"In the current context of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has added a new dimension to its military strategy by using kamikaze drones armed with TBG-7V thermobaric missiles.
Drones are known for their use and effects , but it is very rare to see them armed with such devastating capabilities.
TBG-7V thermobaric missiles and their devastating effects
Although the use of drones is not new, the use of such munitions is quite astonishing and especially provides a new level of destructive capability for a kamikaze drone.
Thermobaric missiles, such as the TBG-7V, work by dispersing a cloud of flammable particles before igniting them, creating a massive explosion. This explosion not only produces a devastating shockwave but also consumes the surrounding oxygen, creating a suffocating effect.
The uniqueness of these weapons lies in their ability to cause significant damage over large areas, making their use particularly formidable in urban environments or confined spaces.
The TBG-7V, in particular, is designed for use with the RPG-7 grenade launcher, a widely used and easily accessible weapon system. Its effective range is approximately 200 to 300 meters, with the ability to penetrate armored or fortified targets before detonating the thermobaric explosion.
This versatility makes the TBG-7V particularly suitable for mounting on drones, adding a new dimension to its battlefield application and significantly increasing its range.
The Ukrainian targets
The use of kamikaze drones equipped with such munitions in Ukraine offers several tactical advantages.
In particular, the increased accuracy of the strikes allows specific targeting of key infrastructure or concentrations of enemy troops.
The weight of a TBG-7V, adapted for use with the RPG-7 grenade launcher, is approximately 4.5 kg. This ammunition is designed to be relatively lightweight while retaining significant explosive power, making it compatible with a variety of launch platforms, including drones.
The characteristics of the drones that will carry the TBG-7V
To effectively carry and deploy a payload such as the TBG-7V, a drone must possess certain key characteristics.
First, it must have sufficient lift capacity.
Considering the weight of the bomb (4.5 kg), the drone must be able to lift this weight in addition to its own weight and any other equipment on board, such as guidance and control systems.
Typically, for a 4.5 kg payload, a medium or large drone is required, with a propulsion system powerful enough to ensure stability and manoeuvrability during flight.
The power must be sufficient not only to lift the payload, but also to ensure sufficient flight duration, stability in variable weather conditions and the ability to navigate accurately to the target.
In addition to lifting capacity, other technical aspects are important for the effective operation of such drones.
These include a reliable guidance system (such as GPS or other navigation systems), a secure data link for remote control and possibly obstacle detection and avoidance systems for operation in complex environments.
The integration of kamikaze drones equipped with TBG-7V thermobaric bombs from Russia into Ukraine is interesting because of their destructive potential. While this technology undoubtedly offers tactical advantages, its true effectiveness on the battlefield remains to be seen."
Their use "paves the way" for the Russian military
From the above we understand that the destructive capabilities of Russian kamikaze drones equipped with TBG-7V thermobaric drones are formidable, which means that their massive use in place and time is capable of bringing about a disruption of the Ukrainian defensive position without any losses for the Russian army.
Besides, Russian drones will be able to devastate entire city blocks of Ukrainian cities, literally "annihilating" their defenders, but also having a catalytic effect on the morale of Ukrainian soldiers.