With the confirmation of new deliveries of TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems, the Russian Ground Forces continue replenishing some of the equipment and materials lost in combat operations and fire support in Ukraine. The news, released on November 5 by the state consortium Rostec, is further evidence of the extensive capabilities of Russia’s industrial complex to replace losses and restore stored equipment to operational condition.
In particular, the heavy flamethrower systems—designated as such by the Russian Ground Forces due to their multiple rocket launcher system—are among the most powerful platforms in service thanks to their use of thermobaric rockets. Throughout the conflict, they have been deployed on multiple fronts for attack missions on targets such as infrastructure and troop concentrations. Their use has also led to recorded losses of systems in combat, including some being captured by Ukrainian forces.
Given this situation and the requirement to equip the Ground Forces, the Uralvagonzavod consortium has reported an increase in TOS-1A production over the past year, highlighting that this goal was achieved due to “… an expansion in production capacity, a shift to a two-shift work schedule, and an increase in personnel.”
Additionally, based on lessons learned from the conflict, the state consortium has introduced upgrades to incorporate the operational experience of the crews, stating that: “The company’s designers have made significant upgrades to the TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system’s combat vehicle.”
They added, “Before being shipped to the client, the equipment underwent performance tests, during which specialists checked the assembly quality, operation of mechanisms, and functionality of devices. The maneuverability of the ‘Solntsepyok’ was evaluated in different road conditions.”
Although the number of units provided was not disclosed, photographs released by Rostec show TOS-1As being transported by train, equipped with characteristic anti-drone cages and additional side protections on the vehicles that carry the rocket launch system.
About the TOS-1A Solntsepyok
The original TOS-1 variant entered service in the late 1980s, while the latest version, the TOS-1A, began reaching Russian Army units in 2001. The updates included new 220 mm rockets, a reduction in the number of launch tubes from 30 to 24, and an increase in maximum range to nearly 10 kilometers.
The TOS-1A Solntsepyok system consists of the BM-1 vehicle (based on the T-72 tank chassis), which mounts a 24-rocket launcher and is operated by a three-person crew. As a support element, two TZM-T resupply vehicles are used, equipped with a central crane and capable of carrying 24 rockets and 400 liters of fuel. The TOS-1A uses the M0.1.01.04 rocket family, which can be fired in a 6-second salvo. The latest versions have improved range and explosive payload.
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