Two Walls Are Not Enough: How to Act During a Thermobaric Shadow Attack

The Russians have begun to actively use thermobaric munitions on attack drones, which significantly increase the threat when striking buildings.

According to Defense Express, the TB BC-50 thermobaric munition weighs 52.4 kg and has a combined effect: in addition to a thermobaric explosion, it also produces debris, including 2,306 9 mm diameter balls.

The publication emphasizes that, unlike two-stroke munitions, where the explosion was carried out in stages, this single-stroke thermobaric charge immediately activates a "fire cloud" with a temperature of about 2400-2600 °C. After initiation, the shock wave instantly creates a movement of the thermobaric mixture, which comes into contact with the air, forming a strong explosion that spreads to neighboring rooms. In enclosed spaces, such a "cloud" can simultaneously cover several rooms, causing severe damage to the lungs and hearing organs.

What is currently used in the "shaheds" is a modern model with a single-stroke action. Previously, thermobaric weapons had a two-stage effect, first spraying an explosive and then detonating it.

Aviation expert and analyst Kostyantyn Kryvolap advised Ukrainians to close all interior doors during an air raid on Kyiv TV channel.

"The rule of two walls is very important now, you need to make sure that all your rooms are closed as much as possible to prevent the spread of this mixture of explosives," the expert said.

On the night of November 9, Odesa and the surrounding areas were attacked by drone strikes. The strikes killed one person and injured 13 others, including two children.

The day before , Russian troops massively attacked Odesa and its suburbs with kamikaze drones. There were numerous explosions, a school, a gas pipeline and many houses were destroyed.

Before that, the Russian occupiers had terrorized the civilian population. In the Khadzhybeyskyi district of the city, the facade and windows of an 11-story residential building, some balconies and the glazing of two neighboring five-story buildings were damaged.

Ірина Глухова