OSCE SMM – Special Monitoring Mission spotted Russian TOS-1 thermobaric rocket launcher in Ukraine.
SMM spotted at the at the training area in “Lugansk People’s Republic (“LPR”) ”-controlled Kruhlyk (31km south-west of Luhansk) one heavy multiple launch thermobaric rocket system (TOS-1 Buratino, 220mm).
TOS-1 is a Russian 220mm 30-barrel (original system, Ob.634 or TOS-1M) or 24-barrel (Ob.634B or TOS-1A) multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon mounted on a T-72 tank chassis.
The TOS-1 is intended to engage military personnel, equipment, and buildings, including fortified constructions. The combat vehicle acts within the combat order of infantry and tanks. The large mass of the launcher and the need for a high-level of protection (due to the relatively short range of 3,500 m (11,500 ft)) helped determine the use of the chassis of the T-72 main battle tank.
