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Russian tech firm upgrading Shmel infantry flamethrower

The Russian Army currently operates the PDM-A Shmel rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower with an aerosol incendiary substance

MOSCOW, April 10. /TASS/. High Precision Systems within the state tech corporation Rostec is upgrading the PDM-A Shmel rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower, the company told TASS on Monday.

"The work on upgrading the Shmel rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower is underway," the company said, replying to the corresponding question, adding that information on the upgrade results could not be disclosed.

The Russian Army currently operates the PDM-A Shmel rocket-propelled infantry flamethrower with an aerosol incendiary substance. The flamethrower is a rocket launcher with an incendiary mixture. Upon its explosion, the rocket disperses an incendiary substance with its subsequent detonation, creating a high temperature impulse and a blast wave.

Russia’s Defense Ministry earlier reported that in a series of drills the Shmel flamethrower had proven its efficiency for urban warfare and the assault of strongholds. By its high explosive effect on basic types of targets, the PDM-A Shmel flamethrower is no inferior to 152mm artillery shells.

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