At a ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of the formation of the 1st Guards Mobile NBC Protection Brigade in the Saratov region, a heavy flamethrower system resembling the TOS-3 "Dragon" was presented for the first time.
It differs from the earlier versions TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" and TOS-2 "Tosochka" by an elongated launcher with a reduced number of guides, which will allow the use of shells with improved characteristics, both in range and power.
Also, the presented TOS-3 "Dragon" received anti-drone slat screens for the launcher, which will protect the equipment from drone attacks. The equipment is installed on a tracked platform, the type of which is currently unknown.
The development of the newest flamethrower system first became known in April 2024 from an interview with Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the Rostec State Corporation.
We are currently working on creating a new heavy flamethrower system TOS-3. The promising vehicle on a tracked base will be equipped with a new launcher. This will increase the firing range and allow the use of new ammunition. The first prototype vehicle has already been created.
According to open sources, the "Dragon" will be able to use TBS-M3 rockets, which were developed for the TOS-2 "Tosochka". Their feature is a firing range of up to 15 km. It is possible that by reducing the number of guides, the weight of the combat vehicle will decrease.
Ozdoev did not report on the timeline for the serial production of the Russian "Dragons". He also did not specify whether active development of other military equipment under the "Dragon" brand is currently underway.