The authors of ArmyTV showcased the Sivalka VM8 rocket system, which is in service with the 704th Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Protection Troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and is designed to fire thermobaric 80-mm S-8TR rockets in their latest report.
The demonstration of such a system caused some skepticism in media, as russian TOS-1 Buratino multiple rocket launcher looks more powerful. Therefore, the question arises regarding the feasibility of the thermobaric Sivalka VM8 for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
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To begin with, it is worth analyzing the characteristics of the Ukrainian Sivalka VM8 system, which is designed to fire thermobaric S-8TR rockets, as outlined in this material.
It is known that this is a mobile and compact system that has 16 launch tubes for 80-mm rockets. The chassis is a slightly improved Ford Ranger pickup truck, and the system itself can complete the task in just 3-5 minutes, during which time it can deploy, fire at the target, and leave the position.
The range of this system is up to 8-10 kilometers. It is also known that a single salvo is enough to scorch one hectare of land.
It should be noted that the emergence of such systems was driven by the lack of firepower in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the assessment should begin from this perspective.
The use of the Sivalka VM8 mobile systems with S-8 rockets was first reported in the spring of 2023. If the use of such mini-MRLS is still practiced, it indicates that it is having an impact in battles against russian occupiers.
In addition to the direct kinetic effect of scorching a hectare of land, the Sivalka VM8 with thermobaric shells can also have a psychological effect on the enemy. For instance, in some of their publicly available materials, russians mention rumors that such pickup trucks with mini-MRLS allegedly enter the rear of the russian army, firing at the invaders from behind, with nothing that can be done about it.
Therefore, we can conclude that while the TOS-1 system appears more powerful, the Sivalka VM8 with thermobaric shells is also suitable for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is not just about the kinetic effect, but also the psychological one.
Earlier Defense Express reported that the National Guard’s Burevii Brigade had destroyed enemy armored vehicle with precision strike of the Grad system.
Read more: The Defense Intelligence Special Forces Deliver Devastating Blows to russian Occupiers (Video)
