Russia poised to expand thermobaric artillery inventory

On 13 November 2025, Uralvagonzavod (UVZ) delivered a batch of TOS-1A Solntsepyok thermobaric multiple rocket launchers (MRLs). According to the manufacturer’s press release, the TOS-1A vehicles in this batch are fitted with a modification to provide protection against small drones. While no details were provided, it is known that the new drone protection kit is a serially produced model and differs from the previous variant showcased in April 2024.

Alongside this, UVZ reported that the modernised version of the TOS-1A, based on the T-80 platform, is nearing the end of trials. Information on this programme first surfaced in August 2024^[1], when state contracts for the supply of the “modernised combat vehicle BM-2 of the upgraded TOS-1A heavy flamethrower system on the T-80 base chassis, as well as for the modernised combat vehicle BM-2M TOS-1A on the T-80 base chassis and for T-90M tanks equipped with the T09-A6-1 active protection system,” were presented at the Armiya-2024 exhibition.

The upgraded TOS-1A will include a number of modifications that allow for better accuracy, greater automation and an extended firing range, according to the manufacturer. It is likely that the modernised TOS-1A will receive a new launch module, allowing it to accommodate longer-range rockets, such as the TBS-M3. Other upgrades may include a new navigation system developed by VNII Signal, which improves firing accuracy and automates the calculation of positioning data, among other tasks.^[2]

It is worth highlighting that the transition to the T-80 platform will provide improved tactical mobility and a higher top speed compared to the current T-72 platform. Improving these characteristics is crucial for the ‘shoot-and-scoot’ tactics often employed by self-propelled artillery.

Summing up the known efforts in this area, it is reasonable to suggest that the Russian Ministry of Defence considers this class of combat vehicles effective and is poised to expand the entire family both technically and organisationally. This is also part of a broader programme to modernise Russia’s RKhBZ (CBRN) troops. At the moment, at least four major programmes are in progress.

The first is the modernisation of the TOS-1A, which includes transition to a new heavy tracked platform, an increase in effective firing range (perhaps to a range similar to the TOS-2 ‘Tosochka’ wheeled variant, about 15–20 km), and greater protection for the combat vehicle. The second comprises incremental upgrades to the TOS-2 wheeled MRL. Alongside these efforts, development of the TOS-3 Drakon (ENG: Dragon) is moving forward. The TOS-3, based on the T-90 tracked platform, is likely being considered as a future capability.

Finally, the last programme, known as project ‘Vozrozhdenie’ (ENG: Rebirth), involves a unified launch container that allows the use of ammunition from the ‘Uragan’ MRL, as well as from TOS-1, TOS-1A, and TOS-2 systems with the ISDM ‘Zemledelie’. According to Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov, these containers have already been tested and were expected to enter service in the first half of 2024.^[3]

Organisationally, this will enable wider use of heavy thermobaric ammunition, which was previously concentrated in RKhBZ units. Once the unified launch container is rolled out, engineering units equipped with ‘Zemledelie’ will also gain the capability to employ thermobaric ammunition for various purposes, including minefield clearing. Furthermore, new thermobaric ammunition may be introduced in the future. In August 2024, Rostec reported that new, more powerful thermobaric rockets for the TOS-2 MLRS had been developed.^[4]

Alexey Tarasov

[1] МО получит модернизированные машины для ТОС-1А и танки Т-90М. 13 августа 2024 – https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/21592757

[2] Удар “Солнцепека”. Как в СВО применяют тяжелые огнеметные системы. 09 августа 2023 – https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/18468445

[3] https://rostec.ru/media/news/sergey-chemezov-tekhnologicheskoe-prevoskhodstvo-zapada-v-voennoy-sfere-mif/#middle

[4] ВСУ сформировали подразделение для охоты на российские огнеметные системы ТОС-2. 12 августа 2024 – https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/21581165