The Russian Ministry of Defense released new footage illustrating the operational use of Solntsepek heavy flamethrower systems (TOS) in the combat zone near Ugledar, part of the ongoing military operation. The official video was published on the ministry’s telegraph channel, providing a clearer look at how these systems are employed in real-world engagements and the impact they have on fortified positions and tactical routes.
The clips depict the crawler-mounted flamethrower unit firing multiple thermobaric projectiles, followed by a substantial detonation whose shockwave propagates outward from the impact site. The sequence highlights the lethal synthesis of sustained fuel-air release and explosive energy that characterizes this class of weapon, underscoring its effectiveness in denying enemy positions and disrupting defensive configurations.
In a frame captured during the action, the commander of the vehicle, identified by the call sign Flame, explains the mechanism: thermobaric rounds of 220 mm caliber produce a gap upon impact, then trigger a secondary, wide-area explosion that extends the lethal effect beyond the immediate point of contact. This description aligns with well-known characteristics of heavy flamethrower munitions, which rely on sustained incendiary and overpressure effects to suppress fortified threats.
A crew member with the call sign Said notes that the Solntsepek team clears pathways for infantry and reconnaissance elements, participating in every assault alongside the ground forces. The footage emphasizes the integrated nature of modern combined-arms operations, where long-range standoff capability complements foot patrols and rapid maneuver elements to disrupt enemy fortifications and communication lines.
The ministry stated that in the Ugledar area, defenders had established fortified firing positions throughout the town. Yet, according to official release, the flamethrower system delivered pressure effects strong enough to compromise enemy batteries and bunkers, causing casualties within the hardened areas and forcing the opposing forces to abandon entrenched stances as the attack progressed.
Earlier disclosures related to the use of Solntsepek in other theaters mentioned that two unguided rockets were sufficient to neutralize a fortified stronghold. The foregoing examples are cited to illustrate the range and potency of the system when deployed against defensive networks designed to resist assault and protect key nodes of enemy defense infrastructure.
The operators involved stressed the importance of precise targeting and controlled application of the payload, especially when Russian airborne units operate in proximity to the engagement zones. The careful synchronization with supporting ground units helps minimize collateral risk while ensuring the primary objective of suppressing defensive positions and enabling continued advances by infantry and reconnaissance teams.
Across the publicized footage, the emphasis remains on the combined effectiveness of the system in shaping the battlefield, reducing the duration of engagement with fortified positions, and accelerating the tempo of the operation. Observers note that the demonstrated capabilities contribute to a broader strategic approach that prioritizes rapid disruption of heavily defended sectors while maintaining momentum for follow-on forces to exploit the created gaps. Attribution: Ministry of Defense press materials (official release).