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Russia to start state trials of latest heavy flamethrower

Following the results of the trials, a decision will be made on the schedule of accepting the flamethrower system for service

TOS-2 combat vehicles Sergei Bobylev/TASS

TOS-2 combat vehicles

© Sergei Bobylev/TASS

MOSCOW, February 24. /TASS/. The Tosochka latest heavy flamethrower system will enter state trials in the immediate future, the state tech corporation Rostec announced on Wednesday.

"Rostec subsidiaries have started preparing the TOS-2 Tosochka combat vehicle for state trials. The work is ongoing under the 2021 defense procurement plan," the corporation said.

Following the results of the trials, "a decision will be made on the schedule of accepting the flamethrower system for service," Rostec stressed.

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Russian military use newest TOS-2 heavy flamethrower for the first time

The TOS-2 Tosochka heavy flamethrower differs from the operational TOS-1 Buratino and TOS-1A Solntsepyok flamethrowers by its improved performance characteristics. The system is mounted on the wheeled chassis of a Ural cross-country truck and features an increased fire range capability, automated sight, firing and fire control systems. The heavy flamethrower is also outfitted with a special crane and needs no transporter-loader vehicle.

The TOS-2 heavy flamethrower has been developed by the Splav Research and Production Association. As Splav CEO Alexander Smirnov said, the Tosochka is capable of firing both shells used for the Solntsepyok flamethrower and some new munitions.

The Tosochka heavy flamethrower was unveiled at the Victory Day Parade on Moscow’s Red Square in June 2020. Four combat vehicles rolled through Red Square as part of the Parade’s mechanized column. The system underwent its operational evaluation during the Kavkaz-2020 strategic command and staff drills last year.

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