Russia unveils TOS‑3 "Drakon": A next-gen flamethrower with extended reach

In February 2024, the Russian weapons factory Omsktransmash patented the TOS-3 "Drakon" artillery system. Initially, it was reported to be in the conceptual phase. However, development on the TOS-3 "Drakon" progressed rapidly, leading to the creation of an experimental model, as reported by Defence Express. Bekkhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the Rostec State Corporation, purportedly shared this update.

Ozdoev announced that the TOS-3 "Drakon" would be mounted on a tracked chassis and equipped with a new launcher to increase its firing range and enable the use of advanced ammunition. He refrained from disclosing detailed specifics about the flamethrower. According to previous reports, this model is expected to enhance the TOS-1 and TOS-2 systems, which have seen extensive use during conflicts in Ukraine. The use on the battlefield highlighted significant limitations, negatively impacting the weapon's effectiveness.

It is noted that the TOS-1A "Solntsepyok" has a range between 3.7 and 6.2 miles, while the TOS-2 "Tosochka" covers distances from 9.9 to 15.5 miles. That indicates that the TOS-3 "Drakon" is expected to have a range exceeding 15.5 miles, enabling its operation further from frontline activities.

Based on earlier disclosures, the TOS-3 aims to surpass the TOS-1 and TOS-2 systems, rectifying the observed deficiencies that compromised their utility in combat. The engineers were tasked with designing a revised system that addresses these issues without sacrificing the original's potent offensive capabilities.

Recall that TOS-1-type systems launch powerful thermobaric missiles capable of inflicting severe damage. Such weapons create extremely high temperatures, reaching 3000 degrees Celsius (5432 degrees Fahrenheit) at the impact site. This intense heat vaporizes everything in the vicinity while consuming all available oxygen, creating a lethal trap for the target area of the TOS-1 or TOS-2 systems.