MOSCOW. Oct 21 (Interfax) - A TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower of the Russian central group of forces has fired thermobaric rockets at a Ukrainian stronghold to support the offensive of assault units in the Avdeyevka sector, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
"The TOS-1A Solntsepyok crew deployed to a firing position and fired 220mm rockets, using the provided coordinates," the ministry said.
Drones detected a concentration of enemy troops on reinforced positions on the way of motorized infantry of the central group of forces, it said.
"A drone crew adjusted the fire and controlled destruction of the target in the real-time mode. Once the mission was accomplished, the drone performed an avoidance maneuver and quickly left the firing position," the ministry said.
Judging by the ministry's video of the Solntsepyok engagement, the strike was carried out at night. It also released a video of striking Ukrainian positions with thermobaric rockets.
Such munitions allow hitting the enemy in trenches, fortifications, and lightly armored vehicles, the ministry said.
According to official information, TOS-1A Solntsepyok is a heavy flamethrower mounted on the T-72 tank chassis. It operates as part of combat formations to support forces from direct and indirect positions and destroys targets by mass strikes with thermobaric and incendiary-and-smoke unguided rockets. As reported, the Russian Armed Forces are receiving the next-generation heavy flamethrowers TOS-2.