In a new tactic aimed at overwhelming Ukrainian defenses, Russia has begun manufacturing thermobaric drones alongside decoys, according to an investigation by the Associated Press. The production is taking place at a secretive facility in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone. These drones, equipped with thermobaric warheads, create a high-pressure vortex that can penetrate walls, sucking out oxygen and causing severe injuries, including collapsed lungs, crushed eyeballs, and brain damage, even outside the blast zone.
The operation, known as “Operation False Target,” was devised in late 2022 and involves launching decoy drones alongside armed ones. The decoys are designed to resemble real drones on radar, leaving Ukrainian forces unsure whether they are facing a real threat or a harmless object. The primary goal is to create confusion, forcing Ukrainian defenders to make split-second decisions about where to allocate their resources, potentially compromising the safety of civilians and critical infrastructure.
With the introduction of thermobaric drones, the stakes are higher, as these weapons pose a significant risk of deviating from their intended targets and causing devastating damage in residential areas.