Ukrainian drones claim first-ever takedown of Russian TOS‑2
Defense Express reports that Ukrainian FPV drones destroyed the modern Russian TOS-2 Tosochka system in February 2025 in the Pokrovsk region. This is the first such loss that the Ukrainian army has acknowledged on the Russian side.
The Ukrainian armed forces successfully destroyed one of the latest Russian TOS-2 Tosochka flamethrower systems in February 2025 in the Pokrovsk region, where the 68th Independent Rifle Brigade was actively operating. Russian forces were unaware of how their advanced system was destroyed for several weeks. Now, the Ukrainians have claimed responsibility for the attack.
The effectiveness of Ukrainian drones
Only recently did the brigade confirm that Ukrainian FPV kamikaze drone pilots conducted the successful attack. On the brigade's official website, a recording was published showing the moment the drone turned the Russian weapon into scrap. The TOS-2 Tosochka system, advertised by the Russians as a modern tool for destroying enemy fortifications and personnel, turned out to be an easy target for Ukrainian drone operators.
The first destruction of TOS-2
This is the first confirmed destruction of this system. The brigade noted that this would not be the last such victory, as Ukraine continues to neutralize Russian resources. "The enemy will not be able to use their weapons with impunity. Everything that enters our land will be destroyed," the brigade declared, emphasizing Ukraine's determination in repelling Russian aggression.
The TOS-2 Tosochka is a Russian rocket artillery system built on a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher platform on a Ural-63706 truck chassis. The TOS-2 was developed as a successor to the TOS-1 system.
The history of this equipment dates back to 2016 when the Russian Ministry of National Defense commissioned the company NPO Splav to conduct research and development work. By 2019, sketches were completed, a prototype vehicle was produced, and production began in 2020. The TOS-2 is powered by a 440-horsepower diesel engine, allowing it to reach up to 62 mph speeds.
The Russian weapon's armament consists of an 18-launcher rocket system with a 220 mm caliber. The projectiles can be equipped with thermobaric and incendiary warheads. The TOS-2 also has a fire control system, an inertial navigation system, and a targeting system.
