Rostec Says TOS-1A Solntsepek Turns AFU Fortifications Into an Inescapable Kill Zone
Rostec says TOS-1A Solntsepek uses thermobaric shells to turn AFU concrete fortifications and underground positions into a deadly trap.
A TOS-1A Solntsepek crew is capable of turning fortified positions into a trap for the enemy, Rostec reported on its Telegram channel.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a video showing how a TOS-1A crew of the 35th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Vostok group of forces completely destroyed a network of concrete fortifications, underground communications and AFU command posts.
Rostec explained that major fortification structures do provide serious protection against high-explosive fragmentation weapons. If a munition is not powerful enough to destroy the structure or collapse its load-bearing elements, the enemy has a very high chance of surviving.
However, thermobaric systems, including Solntsepek, Tosochka and the Termobar munition, operate differently. Rostec noted that due to a long-lasting shock wave and a sharp pressure drop, such weapons turn even an impregnable fortress into a trap. The destructive effect not only delivers a powerful blow, but also penetrates inside enemy shelters even if the structures themselves remain intact.
The state corporation added that in the video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Russian army demonstrated a tactical method possible only with the use of Solntsepek. After thermobaric shells were used, the AFU defensive fortifications became a kill zone for the enemy that could not be escaped.
TOS-1A is considered one of the most effective examples of modern Russian weapons and has no direct analogues. Its firing range can vary from hundreds of meters to several kilometers, which allows it to provide fire support for assault units. A full TOS-1A salvo is fired in a matter of seconds and can cover an area of up to 40,000 square meters.