In the ongoing military operations, the TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower system was employed by the Russian forces against infantry units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a fortified sector. This information was reported by RIA Novosti through the Russian Ministry of Defense.
According to official statements, the crew released a broad-range thermobaric projectile that hit enemy infantry concentrated within a fortified area. The Ministry of Defense emphasized the effectiveness of the system in suppressing fortified positions and disrupting enemy formations.
Officials noted that experts from the Russian troop branch responsible for chemical, radiation, and biological defense (RKhBZ) assessed the Tosochka’s tactical and technical performance as enhanced. Improvements cited include greater mobility, increased firepower, and extended range and accuracy of the ammunition used, contributing to a more capable engagement profile in difficult terrain.
News about the TOS-2 first circulated publicly when the systems were shown at a Moscow parade in June 2020. Since then, they have begun to enter units where trial operations had been conducted, marking a transition from demonstration to operational deployment in certain formations.
During 2020, Sergei Shoigu, then head of the Russian Ministry of Defense, indicated that the latest TOS-2 heavy flamethrower system was utilized for the first time within Caucasus-2020 exercises. This acknowledgment highlighted the rapid integration of new capabilities into training scenarios and potential field use.
On the international front, discussions around the TOS-2 have referenced its role and potential impact as part of broader assessments of long-range, high-heat munitions within modern combat environments. Analysts note the system’s unique thermobaric effects and its ability to operate from a distance or in close-quarters support of ground forces, factors that influence tactical planning and battlefield dynamics.