Historic strike: Ukraine destroys heavy flamethrower system inside Russia
Illustrative photo: Ukrainian soldiers destroyed Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system (Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces have destroyed a TOS-1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system for the first time on enemy territory, in Russia’s Belgorod region, according to Bulava Unmanned Systems Battalion.
According to the report, servicemen of the Bulava UAV battalion of the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians destroyed the Solntsepyok on Russian territory using FPV drones.
Four direct hits were recorded on the Russian "machine of death," followed by a powerful detonation of its ammunition. The released video shows that the Russian TOS-1A system, valued at more than $10 million, was completely destroyed.
На Білгородщині бійці батальйону безпілотних систем «Булава» 72-ї ОМБр вперше провели унікальну операцію: вони знищили безпосередньо на території рф російську важку вогнеметну систему ТОС-1А «Солнцепьок» pic.twitter.com/NviL9w6cG9
— ГЛАВКОМ (@GLAVCOM_UA) February 2, 2026
"TOS-1A is one of the most brutal examples of Russian weaponry. It is a system designed to destroy fortifications and manpower using thermobaric munitions. Now this 'machine of death' is nothing more than scrap metal, destroyed by Ukrainian FPV operators," the military said in the statement.
The battalion’s fighters emphasized that this was "not just the loss of enemy equipment, but a symbol."
What is known about the Solntsepyok
The TOS-1A Solntsepyok is a heavy flamethrower system that fires thermobaric munitions. It is designed to destroy lightly armored vehicles, motor vehicles, as well as buildings and fortifications.
The system uses munitions that create a powerful blast wave, extreme heat, and intense pressure over a wide area. These effects cause significant destruction and are particularly lethal in enclosed spaces, making the system especially dangerous on the battlefield.
According to unofficial data, Russia has 55 TOS-1A Solntsepyok systems in service with its ground forces. Another three such systems are operated by Russia’s airborne troops.
In December, the Lasar’s Group strike drone unit destroyed a Russian Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system using drones.
Earlier, in November last year, the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the 3rd Army Corps of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported the destruction of a Russian Solntsepyok in the Lyman direction.
