Ukraine’s FPV Operators Knock Out One of Russia’s Most Feared Frontline Rocket Systems, Video

Ukrainian FPV drone operators from the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade destroyed a Russian TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system on the Vovchansk front, the brigade reported on June 30.

Russian forces had brought the heavy thermobaric rocket system to the area, a weapon that is relatively rare on the battlefield but extremely dangerous when used against fortified positions, trenches, and urban areas.

The TOS-1A is a 220mm heavy multiple-launch flamethrower system designed to fire thermobaric rockets. Russian forces use it for high-intensity fire support, especially during assaults on defensive positions near the front line.

Thermobaric munitions create powerful high-temperature blast effects, making the system especially destructive in built-up areas, trench networks, and defensive strongholds.

However, the system has serious weaknesses in modern warfare. It is large, highly visible, and has a limited firing range, making it vulnerable to drones once detected.

Operators from the FPV unit of the 57th Brigade spotted the Russian Solntsepyok. A drone from the ARES artillery reconnaissance battery struck the system shortly after it was found.

After the first hit, a second drone finished off the target. The video shows that the TOS-1A was not fully loaded, but there was still enough ammunition inside for a visible detonation.

Only 28 TOS-1A and similar heavy flamethrower systems have been confirmed destroyed during Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, making each loss a significant blow to Moscow’s frontline firepower.

Earlier, Ukrainian National Guard unit Lasar’s Group destroyed three 2S7 Pion 203mm self-propelled artillery systems and a TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system during a precision drone operation in the Luhansk direction.

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