Has Russia Deployed ODAB-9000 Father of All Bombs in Ukraine?.

On October 2, 2024, a video posted on Telegram channels and shared on X by @Clash Report sparked speculation regarding a possible deployment by the Russian military of the ODAB-9000 bomb, also known as the "Father of All Bombs," in Ukraine, specifically during an attack on the city of Volchansk in the Kharkiv region. This bomb is known for being the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in Russia's arsenal, capable of delivering a destructive force equivalent to 44,000 kilograms of TNT. However, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have strongly denied these claims.
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Screenshot of the video published that fueled speculation about the use of the ODAB-9000 (Picture source: X channel @ClashReport)

The ODAB-9000 is a thermobaric bomb developed by Russia, often referred to as the "Father of All Bombs" due to its exceptional destructive power. This type of bomb uses ambient air oxygen to create an extremely violent explosion, generating a shockwave that destroys everything over a large area. With an explosive capacity equivalent to 44,000 kg of TNT, it is considered the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the world. It was designed for large-scale missions, such as neutralizing large concentrations of troops, military equipment, and fortifications.

The rumors began circulating after videos showed a significant explosion in Volchansk, a town located in northeastern Ukraine near the Russian border. According to various reports, the footage led some experts to speculate that Russian forces might have used the ODAB-9000 thermobaric bomb for the first time in the ongoing conflict. Thermobaric bombs, also known as vacuum bombs, are known for creating high-temperature explosions by drawing oxygen from the surrounding air, increasing the destructive potential of the detonation.

Ukrainian officials and military sources quickly responded to these allegations. Colonel Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the Kharkiv Operational and Tactical Group, denied the use of the ODAB-9000 during the Volchansk attack. He emphasized that no movements of strategic bombers, such as the Tu-160, which are required to transport and drop such a large bomb, had been detected during the time of the attack.

The denial from the Ukrainian Armed Forces suggests that a smaller weapon might have been used in this attack rather than the ODAB-9000. According to Sarantsev, the explosion might have been caused by another type of munition, possibly a less powerful thermobaric bomb like the ODAB-1500 or the FAB-3000 high-explosive aviation bomb. Although these alternatives are also destructive, they do not match the power of the ODAB-9000.

Sarantsev also pointed out that the images and videos shared online could have been exploited by Russian propagandists to create a more dramatic impression of the attack. This portrayal could aim to intimidate the local population and demoralize Ukrainian forces by suggesting that the strike was far more destructive than it actually was.

The ODAB-9000 is a thermobaric bomb developed by Russia, often referred to as the "Father of All Bombs" due to its exceptional destructive power (Picture source: WikiCommons)

Volchansk, the alleged target of the attack, is a strategically important area due to its proximity to the Russian border. The region has been the scene of continuous fighting and bombardment since the start of the conflict. Recently, Ukrainian forces have recaptured several territories around Volchansk, including a chemical plant that was under Russian control. Thus, the area remains a critical point in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

The deployment of the ODAB-9000, if confirmed, would mark a significant escalation in the conflict. The ODAB-9000 is considered the most powerful non-nuclear weapon in existence, and its use would cause massive destruction over a wide area. This type of weapon is controversial due to its potential to cause massive casualties and significant damage, particularly in urban areas.

Additionally, the ODAB-9000 has never been officially used in combat, and confirmed use in Ukraine would be a first in military history. Its deployment could signal a shift in Russian tactics as Moscow continues to face setbacks on certain fronts. However, Ukrainian officials maintain that this weapon has not been used, asserting that these reports are part of an information war aimed at spreading fear and confusion among the Ukrainian population.

The allegations concerning the use of the ODAB-9000 might be part of psychological tactics in the ongoing information war between both sides. Until more concrete evidence emerges, it remains uncertain whether this ultra-powerful non-nuclear bomb was indeed used in the Volchansk attack.