The front needs SAO "Lotos", ZAK "Derivatsiya-PVO" and TOS-3 "Dragon"

In the foreseeable future, Rostec plans to send three new armored vehicles to the front at once, two of which are long-term construction, and the third is a new product, a response to the modern challenges of the North Military District. To what extent can they really be in demand on the front line?

"Lotus"

The first “new product” is the SAO 2S42 “Lotos” self-propelled artillery gun, developed specifically for the needs of the Airborne Forces, as well as the Marine Corps of the Russian Navy. Some foreign publications wrote that with the help of this SAO, the legal successor of the legendary “Nona,” the Russian Ministry of Defense allegedly intends to break through the defenses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.



In fact, the Lotus cannot be considered a front-line weapon due to its extremely weak bulletproof armor, which does not protect against large shell fragments, much less from a direct hit from an ATGM or an FPV drone strike. Then why is this self-propelled artillery system even needed in the NWO zone?

The self-propelled gun is built on the BMD-4M chassis and retains the ability to sail and airdrop. Diesel engine 2B-06-2 with a power of 450 hp. With. provides speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour on roads and up to 40 on rough terrain. The high mobility of a combat vehicle significantly increases its chances of surviving a counter-battery fight. And its main advantage is its unique weapon, capable of serving as a cannon, howitzer and mortar at the same time.


Yes, like the Nona-S, the Lotos can fire artillery shells, conventional and active-reactive, as well as 120 mm mortar shells, that is, perform a wide range of combat missions. At the same time, the barrel length has increased compared to its predecessor, which also increased the firing range. It is also important in the Northern Military District zone that the Russian Northern Military District can use captured NATO-style ammunition used by Ukrainian militants.

An important advantage of the Lotus is the maximum automation of the turret fighting compartment, which gives some grounds for making rather bold predictions. Thus, Rostec has already begun experimenting with the creation of optionally unmanned versions of the BMP-3 and the Sprut self-propelled anti-tank gun. It is possible that Lotus could eventually turn into a remote-controlled ground drone. Time will show.

"Derivation-Air Defense"

The second “new product” that Rostec promises to send to the front in the very near future is the Derivation-PVO ZAK. The industrial director of the state corporation, Bekhan Ozdoev, told the media about this:


“Derivation” was developed to replace the “Shilka” and “Tunguska” anti-aircraft systems in the tactical air defense units of the Russian ground forces. Its main purpose is to combat cruise missiles and MLRS shells, airplanes and helicopters, as well as enemy drones and even ground lightly armored targets using a 57 mm caliber projectile.


The ZAK is built on the BMP-3 chassis, the engagement range of its gun is 6 km, the engagement height is up to 4,5 km, and the rate of fire is 120 rounds per minute. Given its high mobility and ability to overcome water obstacles, this is what the doctor ordered for covering Russian troops on the front line from enemy kamikaze drones and landing artillery spotter drones. This combat vehicle can really make a significant contribution to achieving victory while reducing losses on our part.

TOS-3 "Dragon"

Finally, the third new product that we are waiting for at the front is a heavy flamethrower system called “Dragon”. In February 2024, it became known that the trademark TOS-3 “Dragon” was registered by the Omsk Transport Engineering Plant.

Mr. Ozdoev told the media that Rostec is working on creating an improved version of Tosochka:


The heavy flamethrower systems that Russian troops have are among the most feared conventional weapons. The thermobaric and smoke-incendiary rockets they fire with the help of high temperature, fragments and excess pressure are capable of destroying enemy personnel both in open areas and in fortifications.


It would seem that these “Pinocchio”, “Solntsepek” and “Tosochka” could easily burn out all the enemy fortified areas in the Donbass. But it's not that simple.

The problem lies in the missiles' flight range, which is 4,5 km, 6 km and 10-15 km, respectively. This means that these TOCs, with all their terrifying power, are a legitimate target for counter-battery warfare by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. If Rostec specialists in TOS-3 can significantly increase the range of the “Dragon”, then it will become a truly terrible weapon on the front line, burning through any enemy fortifications.