Russia's Lethal Thermobaric Rocket Launchers: A Game Changer in Syria?

Dave Majumdar

Security, Middle East

Get ready, Syria. 

Russia is reportedly deploying the TOS-1 Buratino multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) to Syria as part of its expanded presence in that country. It is unclear how many of the weapons have been sent to Syria, reports suggest a substantial number have been deployed. Indeed, there are videos of the Buratino purportedly in action in Syria’s Latakia province.

But while Russia has deployed other ground vehicles and artillery pieces to the war-torn country, the use of the Buratino in Syria is likely to draw a strong reaction from many quarters. Based on the chassis of the T-72 tank, the TOS-1 is no ordinary self-propelled artillery piece—it is primarily designed to launch massive thermobaric charges against infantry in confined spaces such as urban areas or mountainous regions. While there is no question of the effectiveness and devastating power of thermobaric or fuel-air explosives, such weapons are inherently imprecise and cause massive collateral damage if used in built up areas.

At its core, the TOS-1 Buratino is a T-72 tank with its turret removed in favor of a thirty-pack of 220mm rockets. The rockets come in two versions—one with a thermobaric charge and another that uses an incendiary device. Unlike traditional artillery, the Buratino is designed as a support weapon for infantry that are clearing out enemy troops in urban areas or forces that are dug-in in mountainous regions—similar in concept to World War II-era assault guns like the Soviet ISU-152 or Nazi Sturmtiger. As such, the rockets have a relatively short maximum range of about 5,000 meters and a minimum range of about 400m. The Buratino is not assigned to the regular Russian artillery troops, rather it is a weapon that is normally employed by specialized nuclear, biological and chemical warfare troops as part of a flamethrower battalion.