Moscow. April 3. INTERFAX-AVN - The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation stated that the units of the Airborne Troops (airborne), which are sent to the zone of special military operation (SVO) in Ukraine, are reinforced with heavy flamethrower systems "Solntsepek"."The transfer to the crews of the upgraded combat vehicles TOS-1A "Solntsepek" took place for the first time in the history of the Airborne Forces.
Crews departing to the zone of a special military operation demonstrated the readiness of vehicles and personnel to perform combat missions," the message said on Monday.
The transfer of heavy flamethrower systems "Solntsepek" to the Airborne Forces took place in the Saratov region in one of the formations of the radiation, chemical and biological protection troops (RCBZ), the Russian military department reported.
"You are being handed a formidable weapon, which has no equal in the arsenals of the collective West and which causes panic on our enemies. I am sure that its skillful use will bring our victory closer," the ministry quotes the head of the Airborne Forces RCBZ service.
Earlier it was officially reported that heavy flamethrower systems in Russia are in service with the RCBZ troops.
"Solntsepek" operates in combat formations of supported troops from open and closed positions. Targets are destroyed with the massive use of unguided rockets in thermobaric and smoke-burning equipment.
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Russian military uses heavy flamethrower systems "Solntsepek" against Ukrainian troops during the SVO.
In 2018, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the decision to strengthen the airborne Forces with tanks. Before that, the Russian paratroopers had no tank units. Also in 2018, it was reported that the Airborne Forces will be reinforced with helicopters, air defense and missile defense units.
