Russia’s Defense Ministry has showcased video footage of the destructive capabilities of the TOS-1A tank. The weapon is able to hold 24 thermobaric missiles at once and is able to obliterate objects within 40,000 square meters. The video showcased the destructive power of one of the missiles as flames and a large cloud of smoke erupt following contact with its target.
Russia is notoriously secretive about the extent of their military capabilities but Russia’s Defence Ministry Tweeted the footage of the vehicle during a drill.
The video shows the weapon being loaded with missiles, moved into position and firing on targets.
The footage was released by the Russian military on Tuesday.
The TOS-1A nickname Solntsepyok, the “Sun Heat” also highlights the destructive reputation of the weapon.
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While the systems are designated as “heavy flamethrowers” in Russia, they are essentially multiple rocket launchers.
The Russian Defence Ministry has boasted a full package launched by a single TOS-1A is capable of obliterating enemy personnel, hardware and almost any fortifications within range.
However, the range of the weapon is quite modest with the latest iterations being capable of striking targets only 6km away.
Tensions have begun to rise between the US and Russia again with fears of a military conflict between the two superpowers.
Mr Stoltenberg insisted the deployment was part of plans to have the US show its commitment to the military alliance and “to the freedom and security of Europe.”
The military exercise is scheduled to take place between May and June 2020 across Germany, Poland and the Baltic States.
The US will be joined by troops from Germany, France and the UK as well as Spain and Italy.