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More than half of the drones launched at Ukraine from Russia in recent weeks have been fakes — knockoffs of horrifying thermobaric bombs that can collapse lungs, crush eyeballs and cause brain damage, according to a new report.
Real thermobaric drones, known for their ability to cause catastrophic injuries, are also being produced in a southwestern Russian laboratory, as well as Iranian-designed Shahed drones, known as kamikaze drones.
The plant has also been churning out decoys as part of a plan called Operation False Target, an Associated Press investigation found.
The fakes, which are often stuffed with foam or towels, can’t be distinguished from the real thermobaric weapons on radar.
That forces the Ukrainian military to make split decisions to save lives and protect crucial infrastructure, potentially wasting ammunition on striking down the fakes.
Thermobarics, also known as “enhanced blast weapons” or “vacuum bombs,” deliver a “vortex” of high pressure and heat and are loaded with ball bearings, making them ideal for blasting buildings or underground, according to the report.
“The idea was to make a drone which would create a feeling of complete uncertainty for the enemy. So he doesn’t know whether it’s really a deadly weapon … or essentially a foam toy,” a person familiar with Russia’s drone production told the AP.
The threat of thermobarics also instills massive fear among civilians, experts noted.
Thermobarics were first used over the summer but are estimated to now make up between 3% and 5% of Russia’s drone arsenal.
The fakes have allowed attacks on Ukraine to skyrocket.
In October, Moscow blasted at least 1,889 drones — 80% more than in August — at Ukraine, according to an analysis.
Last weekend alone, Russia launched 145 drones at Ukraine. The weekend prior, Kyiv was under air alerts for 20 hours, as drones buzzed among air defenses and rifle shots.
With Post wires
English (US)