Ukrainian FPV (first-person view) drones from the 72nd Mechanized Brigade recently destroyed a Russian TOS-1A Solntsepyok thermobaric rocket launcher in Russia’s Belgorod region, marking the first confirmed destruction of the $15 million weapon system inside Russian territory. 

The strike was executed by FPV drone operators from Ukraine’s 72nd Mechanized Brigade, known as the “Bulava” unmanned systems battalion. 

A video shared by the unit last week captures real-time footage from FPV drones approaching the target.

🔥🔥🔥The “Bulava” Battalion of the 🇺🇦72nd Mechanized Brigade destroyed a Russian TOS-1A “Solntsepyok” MLRS in the Belgorod region using FPV drones

❗️It is the first destruction of this system on Russian territory pic.twitter.com/YuK5X6mNy1

— Cloooud |🇺🇦 (@GloOouD) February 2, 2026

Often called a “flamethrower,” the TOС‑1A Solntsepyok is a long-range artillery system that launches unguided rockets equipped with thermobaric warheads. The system can fire salvos of 24 rockets, each weighing over 200 kilograms (441 pounds), covering an area approximately 200 by 200 meters.

Russian forces have repeatedly deployed the weapon against Ukraine. 

“The TOS‑1A is one of the most brutal examples of Russian weaponry, designed to destroy fortifications and personnel with thermobaric munitions,” the brigade said. “Now, this ‘death machine’ is nothing more than a pile of scrap metal, destroyed by Ukrainian FPV operators.”