Russian troops have used the TOS-1A thermobaric system to destroy a Ukrainian platoon-level entrenchment
The Russian Defense Ministry on Tuesday released a new video showing heavy thermobaric TOS-1A Solntsepyok systems striking alleged Ukrainian positions at an unspecified location on the frontline.
The system, belonging to Russia’s ‘West’ troop grouping, apparently obliterated a Ukrainian platoon-sized entrenchment, the military has said. The nighttime video shows the launcher firing multiple projectiles, with the strike observed by a surveillance drone. The strike appeared to be very accurate with multiple explosions concentrated in a relatively small area, footage shows.
TOS-1A systems are designated as heavy flamethrowers and operated primarily by the Russia’s Radiological, Chemical, and Biological Defense Forces (RKhBZ). Despite its designation, the system is effectively a conventional multiple rocket launcher system, mounted on a tank chassis and designed to fire heavy 220mm thermobaric projectiles.
The munitions, colloquially known as vacuum bombs, disperse a cloud of highly explosive liquid or gas that is then ignited, producing a powerful air blast with extreme pressure and temperatures. The projectiles are extremely effective in targeting personnel, including soldiers taking cover in trenches, pillboxes, or light armor.
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The systems have seen extensive action during the Ukraine conflict, proving to be an important heavy-hitting, albeit arguably short-range, tool. A lighter, wheeled version of the system, known as TOS-2 Tosochka, has also been introduced during the conflict and used against Kiev’s troops on numerous instances.
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