The Rostec State Corporation is proud of its products, including tanks, helicopters, and the Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system. Military expert Sakshi Tiwari writes about this in the article "Russian Blazing Joker. Moscow continues to boast TOS-1A" for the Eurasian Times publication.
Rostec compares the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" to a joker in a deck of cards, pointing to the unpredictability of the system. The formidable weapon is capable of turning the tide of battle thanks to its thermobaric ammunition.
The expert recalled that Russia would like to export the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" to other countries. In February 2024, Saudi Arabia's interest in this system was reported. Since there is no information about the deal, it was either abandoned or postponed for some time.
According to Tiwari, data on the use of the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" in combat appeared in 2015. The Russian Ministry of Defense noted that it has no analogues in the world.
But, like tanks and other ground platforms, the heavy flamethrower system is vulnerable to anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), cheap FPV drones.
Western experts believe that "the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" must be destroyed before it destroys you", Tiwari added. However, the Russians adapted and equipped the system with welded "barbecue grills" to protect against UAVs.
Later, the Russian Armed Forces began to use a new generation — the TOS-2 "Tosochka", and now Rostec is developing the TOS-3 "Dragon".
But, since the enemy has more and more cheap disposable drones, it cannot be said that these advanced systems are safe.
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