Ukrainian Forces Destroy Rare Russian TOS-1A Flamethrower System Worth Approximately $15 Million, Video

Ukrainian Forses have successfully eliminated a rare Russian TOS-1A “Solntsepyok” heavy flamethrower system, a weapon known for its destructive thermobaric munitions. The operation was carried out using drone strikes, rendering the system inoperable.

According to the 412th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “Nemesis,” which conducted the strike, the TOS-1A was identified as a priority target due to its potential to cause devastating effects on Ukrainian positions. The unit shared footage of the operation, confirming the destruction of the system.

“This was a rare and high-value target. The system will no longer be operational—it’s now scrap metal,” Nemesis operators stated. The strike was executed in collaboration with aerial reconnaissance units from the 102nd and 108th Territorial Defense Brigades, which helped identify and guide the attack.

Drone footage released by the unit shows multiple munitions being deployed on the TOS-1A, with three direct hits followed by a final strike that led to its complete destruction. Communications intercepts also suggest that the crew of the system was eliminated in the attack.

What is the TOS-1A “Solntsepyok”

The TOS-1A is a Russian heavy flamethrower system mounted on a T-72 tank chassis. It is designed to launch thermobaric and incendiary rockets, creating intense blast waves and high-temperature fireballs. The weapon is known for its significant destructive capability in urban and fortified environments.

The system operates with 220mm thermobaric unguided rockets, each weighing approximately 217 kg and measuring 3.7 meters in length. Its effective range is limited to about six kilometers, making it dependent on close deployment to the front lines.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, TOS-1A systems have been actively used against Ukrainian positions and civilian areas. The elimination of such a system represents a strategic success for Ukrainian forces, reducing the threat posed by its powerful munitions.

Earlier, Ukraine’s 10th Mountain Assault Brigade destroyed a Russian Zoopark-1 counter-battery radar in the Luhansk region using FPV drones. Operators from the 109th Separate Battalion detected and struck the camouflaged 1L219M radar, which was used to locate Ukrainian artillery. The radar was hit multiple times, with one drone igniting a fire inside the system, rendering it inoperable.