Russian Forces Dismantle TOS-1 Thermobaric Shells to Equip Drones

The Russian military has started dismantling TOS-1 rockets to repurpose their warheads for use in attack drones.

According to OSINT analyst Roy, the munitions are large 220-mm thermobaric rounds.

A fuel-air explosive mixture is being removed from the rockets; the substance produces a blast of high temperature and pressure.

Video footage shows the material leaking from a rocket casing.

The thermobaric mixture can destroy fortifications and personnel within a radius of tens of meters.

In addition to the mixture, the Russians are removing the explosive charge from the rocket’s warhead. That material is also being used to make improvised drone warheads.

The TOS-1 system is seldom used on the front line because its missiles have a relatively short range — up to 10 km — and the launch units are vulnerable to detection and attack by Ukrainian FPV drones.

Therefore, Russian forces appear to be adapting the ammunition for a different role — as warhead material for drones.