Ukraine’s new ‘dragon drone,’ equipped with incendiary thermite payloads, represents a significant escalation in its conflict with Russia. Videos from the Ukrainian Armed Forces show these drones dropping streams of molten metal, designed to ignite military targets hidden in forested areas. The thermite mixture, consisting of aluminum powder and iron oxide, burns at temperatures up to 4,000°F (2,200°C), incinerating both equipment and cover vegetation. This tactic has not only proven effective in targeting Russian forces but also has a psychological impact, with the drone’s fiery trails resembling a mythical dragon’s breath.
While thermite’s military use dates back to World War I, the innovation here lies in its deployment via drones. Historically, thermite was used in bombs, but drones enable precision targeting of hard-to-reach areas. The intense heat generated by thermite can melt through metals, making it extremely difficult to defend against. The drones bypass traditional defense systems, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike more accurately and avoid unnecessary casualties.
The psychological impact of such weapons is profound. According to defense experts, while the thermite drones are destructive, their primary effect is creating fear among enemy forces. This fear stems from the unpredictability and destructive power of incendiary weapons like thermite, which can melt through tanks, artillery, and fortifications with ease. Previous use of thermite in Ukraine, particularly to disable Russian tanks by dropping the incendiary directly through hatches, highlights its devastating potential.
Incendiary weapons, including thermite, napalm, and white phosphorus, have long been controversial due to their severe effects on humans and the environment. While thermite is not banned for military use, its deployment on civilian targets is prohibited under international law. Incendiary weapons can cause severe burn injuries and respiratory damage, and their use is regulated to prevent unnecessary suffering. Despite these concerns, Ukraine’s use of thermite is within legal bounds, focusing on military targets hidden in difficult terrain.
The dragon drone highlights how modern warfare increasingly relies on drones for precision and psychological warfare. Though Ukraine’s thermite capacity is limited, its use in niche scenarios underscores the evolving nature of drone warfare. Both sides in the conflict are turning to drones as a flexible and powerful tool in the ongoing struggle, as these systems allow for targeted strikes that conventional artillery cannot achieve.
In addition to the physical destruction, the ‘dragon drone’ reinforces Ukraine’s strategic efforts to maintain momentum against Russian forces. By employing these drones, Ukrainian forces aim to outmaneuver and disrupt entrenched Russian positions, particularly in heavily forested regions where traditional strikes might fail.
As warfare evolves, incendiary weapons like thermite, delivered by advanced drones, offer new capabilities to militaries worldwide, but also raise ethical questions due to their indiscriminate nature when mishandled. Ukraine’s ‘dragon drones’ are thus a testament to both the ingenuity and the complexities of modern combat.
Image Credit : Khorne Group
