Ukrainian forces have used a drone to successfully target and destroy a Russian TOS-1 heavy flamethrower system.
Designed to Create Devastating Explosions
According to Tech the video, released by Ukraine's Security Service, highlights the effectiveness of FPV (First-Person View) drones in countering this formidable piece of artillery.
The TOS-1, known for its thermobaric warheads, is designed to create devastating explosions by releasing a flammable aerosol before detonation. This type of weapon causes extreme pressure changes and oxygen depletion, making it lethal to both personnel and lightly armored vehicles.
Despite its destructive power, the TOS-1's limited range requires it to operate close to the front lines, making it vulnerable to aerial surveillance and attacks.
Damaged at Least 28 Systems
The Ukrainian video shows a successful strike on a TOS-1 launcher, captured by an FPV drone.
In the footage, the drone's operator accurately locates and targets the weapon system, resulting in a spectacular explosion as the TOS-1's munitions detonate. A secondary drone recorded the attack from a distance, illustrating the dramatic impact of the strike.
Originally produced in the late 1980s, the TOS-1 is a rare artillery system with only a few dozen units deployed in the Russian military before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed, captured, or damaged at least 28 of these systems. The latest variant, the TOS-3 Drakon, incorporates counter-drone technology, including anti-drone grids and jammers, to mitigate the risk of FPV drone attacks. However, the destroyed TOS-1 in the recent footage lacked these protective features, underscoring the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone tactics.
