Russia’s latest TOS-2 ‘Tosochka’ heavy flamethrowers are currently undergoing trials with national troops.
“Heavy flamethrower TOS-2 is one of the newest weapons with the RCBD [Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defense] troops. The pilot batch of the weapons at the issue was delivered to the military this year and it is currently under a trial test,” Chief of Russia’s Chemical, Biological and Radiation Protection Forces Lieutenant-General Igor Kirillov, said in an interview with the Russian Defense Ministry’s Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper.
Russia used TOS-2 Tosochka rocket launcher with thermobaric rockets for the first time during Kavkaz-2020 exercises held recently.
TOS-2 Tosochka is the successor of the TOS-1A Solntsepek system with improved tactical and technical characteristics. Unlike its predecessor, it is made on the basis of the Ural car with increased load capacity and cross-country ability. It has an increased launch range of unguided rockets. Aiming, shooting and fire control of the TOS-2 are fully automated. A crane is mounted on the vehicle, so the system does not need a transport and charging machine. In addition, the TOS-2 has a system of electronic protection against high-precision weapons, according to the Russian defense ministry.
TOS-family rocket launchers are intended for providing fire support to infantry and armour, defeating manpower in offensive and defensive operations, as well as disabling armored vehicles and transport. Target’s destruction by the unguided artillery rockets with thermobaric warheads is achieved through effects of high temperature and overpressure.
