The conflict in Ukraine has provided the Russian Armed Forces and their industrial complex with valuable lessons regarding essential or mandatory equipment for their combat vehicles and artillery. This can be seen in the various equipment deliveries to the Ground Forces, outfitting them with additional protection systems, such as anti-drone cages, enhanced armor, and new optical camouflage systems. The most recent example is the heavy flamethrower system TOS-2 Tosochka, which has begun receiving new radio wave-absorbing camouflage kits.
Designed as an evolution of the veteran TOS-1 Buratino and TOS-1A Solntsepek, the TOS-2 Tosochka is a new heavy flamethrower system in service with the RKhBZ (NBC) regiments of the Russian Ground Forces. Its primary distinction from its predecessors is that, unlike them, the rocket launch system—capable of firing both guided and unguided rockets—is mounted on a Ural-63704-0010 6×6 truck chassis, providing greater mobility and flexibility. It also employs 220mm rockets, like the Buratino and Solntsepek, in an 18-cell launcher.
The Tosochka first appeared in 2020, during the Victory Day Parade, with its operational use recorded in Ukraine in October 2023.
Given these developments and its deployment on Ukrainian soil, it is likely that the Ground Forces increased their requirements to enhance the Tosochka’s protection and reduce its signature. This task was entrusted to the “Roselectronika” holding of the Rostec State Corporation, which developed new camouflage kits for the TOS-2.
According to the official statement from the Russian consortium, these kits feature a “…coating that allows the equipment to evade detection in the optical and near-infrared ranges, as well as guidance from precision weapons.” Additionally, they noted: “The basis of the new camouflage consists of a special radiation-absorbing fabric and panels with camouflage material, which attach to the armor without hindering movement. This allows the weaponry to remain concealed not only when stationary but also on the move and during combat deployment.”
Currently, the Ukrainian conflict exemplifies high-intensity warfare, with both sides possessing various surveillance, detection, and reconnaissance systems. These range from well-known counter-battery radars to unmanned aerial systems equipped with ground-based radars to detect infantry and armored units. Furthermore, there is a vast array of guided weaponry, including laser, infrared optical, and radiation-guided systems, which can lock onto specific targets.
Finally, regarding the operational deployment of TOS-2s equipped with the new camouflage kits, Rostec highlighted some additional features, confirming their use in Ukraine. Roselectronika stated, “The coating structure allows accumulated dirt and dust to be washed off with water during use. Thanks to this, camouflage for military equipment can be used continuously. The first kits are already in use in the special military operation zone, where they have demonstrated their effectiveness.”
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