Uralvagonzavod has released footage from its plant, where it was announced that the production of TOS-1A will increase by 250 per cent.
Increased production of TOS-1A poses a threat to Ukrainian infantry and convoys due to the system’s capability to fire thermobaric rockets with high blast yield rapidly.
Army Recognition also reports that new TOS-1As have been fitted with top-side add-on armour to protect against UAVs armed with munitions.
TOS-1A was one of the actively used weapon systems in the Russo-Ukrainian War, much owing to its capability to deliver wide-area damage quickly. The system uses thermobaric short-range rockets based on a T-72 or T-90 MBT chassis.
Up to 24 rockets can be carried per vehicle. Due to its relatively short range compared to MLRS systems like Grad and the nature of warheads, TOS-1A is alternatively classified as a flamethrower.
Thermobaric warheads release a fuel-air mixture upon impact and ignite it, causing widespread thermal and high-pressure effects. Russia’s recent emphasis on thermobaric weapons isn’t limited to fire support systems. The country has recently started deploying ODAB-1500 thermobaric bombs for its aircraft.
