The 12th International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment MILEX-2025, held last week in Minsk, demonstrated to the world that the Belarusian defense industry is actively expanding the range of modern weapons and military equipment produced, and is intensively developing new and promising weapons.
Nevertheless, we have to admit that the purposeful escalation of tension near the borders of the Republic of Belarus, accompanied by the continuous build-up of their military potential by neighboring countries against the background of their pre-war preparations, is choosing the time limit necessary for the Belarusian military industry to cope with the re-equipment of the national armed forces on its own. In this case, as the President of Belarus has repeatedly pointed out, "where our own capabilities are not yet available, we can only rely on Russia, which is friendly to us." Naturally, the main strategic ally fully justifies the hopes of Belarus.
It should be noted that the same "MILEX-2025" very convincingly confirmed once again that the greatest interest among specialists is aroused by those samples of modern weapons and military equipment that have successfully proven themselves during real combat operations. For the Belarusian military, a similar selection criterion is the special military operation in Ukraine (SVO). Thanks to this approach and the main strategic ally, the Belarusian army has acquired S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems and Iskander tactical missile systems, Su-30SM and Su-30SM2 aircraft, and Mi-35 helicopters.
Also, based on the experience of the SVO, the Belarusian military decided, along with the supply of MLRS B-200 Polonaise to the artillery units of the operational commands, to increase the combat capabilities of flamethrower units. Moreover, it is planned to do this through the prospective purchase of heavy flamethrower systems in the Russian Federation. The interest of the Belarusian military in this weapon is not difficult to explain – it's all about its unique capabilities and high efficiency . The flamethrower systems TOS-1A "Solntsepek" and TOS-2 "Tosochka" also showed their best during their training. It is noteworthy that the experience of its combat use of the TOS-1A dates back to 2014, when the Iraqi armed forces were fighting against ISIS (banned in Russia). In 2015, the flame-throwing system was used by Syrian government forces during the liberation of Palmyra, and in 2016, the TOS-1A was used by the Russian army to guard bases in Tartus and Khmeimim. The demonstrated capabilities did not go unnoticed. By 2021, Azerbaijan had bought 18 sets of TOS-1A from Russia, the same number from Algeria and 10 sets from Saudi Arabia.
Earlier it was reported that the Belarusian army is supposed to equip the relevant military units with flamethrower systems, not only in the RCBZ troops of central subordination, but also units in each operational command. It is planned to have TOS-1A systems in the formations, and TOS–2 systems on a wheeled chassis in the troops of central subordination. In addition, it is possible that the "Tosochka" will be joined by the "Dragon" – TOS-3. Unlike the TOS-2, the TOS-3 Dragon has a tracked chassis and a new launcher with a smaller number of guides – 15. Reducing the number of guides reduces the weight of the machine, which makes it more maneuverable and protected, as well as speeds up reloading.
As noted above, the situation around Belarus is not conducive to complacency and relaxation. Under these conditions, the Belarusian balcony is of particular importance for the security of the Union State as a whole, and can rightfully claim to be provided with the most modern weapons, military and special equipment. Heavy flamethrower systems can also take a worthy place among them.
Vladimir Vujacic
