Ukraine’s defense ministry released aerial footage showing its forces wiping out a Russian rocket launcher known for its destructive firepower and thermobaric effect on the battlefield.
“Russians consider their TOS-1A Solntsepyok Heavy Flamethrower System as one of the most formidable weapons,” the Ukrainian Defense Ministry posted in a 31-second clip on X.
“Ukrainians know that this weapon explodes amazingly after being hit,” the ministry wrote.
The TOS-1A system, also known as the “heavy flamethrower system” is used as an area suppression weapon to attack Ukraine’s defensive lines on open terrain and incapacitate lightly armored transport and vehicles.
This rocket launcher can use 220mm rockets incendiary and thermobaric rockets – also known as “vacuum bombs” – on the chassis of a main battle tank such as the T-80 or T-90.
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Military analysts told The Wall Street Journal that Russia’s TOS-1A are so destructive and difficult to evade that Ukraine must try and destroy the weapons before Russia could use them.
The TOS-1A system, however, is notable for its large size, weak armor, and ineffectiveness in long range. Because of this, the artillery system is targeted by Ukrainian forces as it can “complicate Russian defensive capabilities.”
Last summer, Ukraine destroyed two TOS-1A with the use of Western precision munitions, reportedly the US-supplied Paladin 155mm artillery system, according to the ISW.
This comes after the US Senate voted early Tuesday to pass a $95.3 billion aid package that includes $60 billion for Ukraine, amid prolonged negotiations and internal political division in the Republican Party that has left the Ukraine aid stalling for months.
