FPV Pilots of Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanized Brigade Destroy Solntsepyok System in Lyman Area

UAV operators of the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade destroyed a Russian TOS‑1A Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower system in the Lyman area.

The FPV drone strike was fatal for the system — the warhead hit the launcher, triggering an ammunition detonation, the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

Video from the strike site shows a powerful explosion and the complete destruction of the launcher along with its rockets.

TOS‑1A is one of the most expensive fire-support systems in the Russian army, with an estimated cost of tens of millions of dollars.

The Solntsepyok uses 220 mm thermobaric rockets that create a large area of continuous damage and are designed to destroy fortifications.

Russia actively uses these systems to pressure Ukrainian defenses, especially in areas where it is preparing offensive operations.

The destruction of the system is a significant blow to the enemy’s ability to provide fire support in this sector.

The UAV operators flew at low altitude under challenging conditions to guide the drone directly to the launcher.

An FPV drone costing a few hundred dollars destroyed one of the enemy’s most dangerous systems by detonating its full load of rockets.

Characteristics of the TOS‑1A Solntsepyok:

• Type: heavy multiple-launch flamethrower system
• Caliber: 220 mm
• Ammunition: thermobaric and incendiary rockets
• Number of tubes: 24
• Range: 400 m–6 km (TOS‑1A), up to 10 km (TOS‑1AM)
• Chassis: T‑72 tank chassis
• Combat weight: ~44 tons
• Firing preparation time: 90 seconds
• Effect: creates an ultra‑high‑temperature shock wave over an area of up to 3 hectares
• Crew: 3
• Primary role: destruction of fortifications, shelters, and personnel in dense defensive areas

The Russian military recently received a new batch of Solntsepyok systems.

The Uralvagonzavod produced the new systems for Russia’s military.