TOS-1.

This is coolbert:

From a previous blog entry regarding the Russian military build-up in Syria:

"U.S. intelligence has observed the possible staging of multiple rocket launch systems [MLRS] at Russian ports, which could be loaded onto ships bound for Syria."

My instantaneouos reaction is that this was a MLRS of the Uragan variety. Long-range rocket artillery of awesome capabiloity. But perhaps this is not so. Thanks to Freeper we have this item thaty might suggest otherwise.

"OSCE says spots deadly Russian rocket system in Ukraine for first time"

"MOSCOW (Reuters) - International monitors say they have spotted a new kind of Russian weapons system in rebel-held Ukraine this week, possible evidence of Moscow's continued interest in Ukraine even as it focuses on Syria."

"The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which is monitoring a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine, reported that its monitors had seen a mobile TOS-1 'Buratino' weapons system for the first time."

NOT a conventional rocket artillery system as generally understood but flame weaponry, short-range but highly destructive. TOS-1.

"TOS-1s were first used in combat in Afghanistan’s Panjshir valley by the Soviet Union. Later, they were prominently used in the Battle of Grozny in 1999 by the Russian Army."

"TOS-1 Russian: ТОС-1 -  Heavy Flamethrower System) is a Soviet 220mm 30-barrel . . . multiple rocket launcher and thermobaric weapon mounted on a T-72 tank chassis. TOS-1 was designed for defeating enemy personnel in fortifications, in open country, and in lightly armoured vehicles and transport."

TOS-1 rocket artillery but understood as flame and chemical munitions of the thermobaric type.

"The TOS-1 is not used by the artillery units of the Russian Armed Forces but is found in NBC defense units" "The Buratino is equipped with thermobaric warheads which spread a flammable liquid around a target and then ignite it."

TOS-1 INDEED ALREADY USED AGAINST ISIL FORCES:

"TOS-1As were first used in combat in Iraq in the recapture of Jurf Al Sakhar on October 24, 2014 from ISIL forces."

Those thermobaric weapons deployed and used en masse can well be considered to be a weapon of mass destruction? Devoted readers to the blog will have to decide for themselves.

coolbert.