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Ukraine has unleashed a fleet of ‘Dragon’ drones spewing fire in its offensive against Russia.
Footage from the 42nd Mechanised Brigade first showed the incendiary weapon pouring an unknown substance onto a forest below in the Kharkiv region, where presumably Russian soldiers had taken cover.
In the last week Ukraine’s forces have shared videos of the low-flying drones in action, resembling medieval dragons.
The 108th separate mountain assault battalion shared another video, saying that its drone pilots had flown the ‘Dragon’ drones over Russian positions.
On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, posted a video showing the drone at night, adding: ‘A real dragon.’
Little is known about their capabilities. Are these part of a new, covert Ukrainian weapons program, or an innovative twist on existing models?
‘Dragon’ drones have been unleashed in parts of the frontline in Ukraine (Picture: Khorne Group)
How Ukraine’s ‘Dragon’ drones operate
Ivan Stupak, a military expert and former SBU officer, who has been speaking with Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline, described the drones as ‘state of art’.
He told Metro.co.uk the weapon is larger than a First Person View drone – that has seen a rise in modern warfare – and has four propellers.
‘It appears to be more sophisticated than a normal drone and I suspect it will be used more widely in the coming months,’ he added.
‘Russia’s army may think Ukraine is showing off, but the Dragon drones will likely be developed to be able to sustain for longer periods, up to a minute.’
Stupak said that reports from the frontline differ about how the drones operate and the flammable substance they use – and the Ukrainian government is being tight-lipped about them.
Dragon drones are understood to carry a substance called thermite, according to the UK-based anti-war advocacy organisation Action on Armed Violence (AOAV).
The mixture is made from metal powder – most often aluminium – and powdered iron oxide or rust.
They are capable of burning through metal and creating fires at temperatures of about 2,200°C.
Impact of the fire-spewing weapon on the war
Such bombs are ‘particularly dangerous’ because their effects are hard to contain, unlike conventional explosives.
Stupak said the drones could burn through and damage nearly any material like trees and foliage, even parts of military vehicles and weapons like machine guns and rifles.
‘They could destroy warehouses with provisions and Russian bunkers where their troops hide,’ he added.
‘Particularly in autumn, when there is a lot of foliage, the drones are used to find enemy positions concealed under trees and even under the surface.’
With less vegetation, strike missions are more effective.
Aside from aiding Ukrainian units with reconnaissance, he stressed that the substance carried by the drones is likely deadly for the Russian army or cause extensive burns.
A report from AOAV said: ‘Unlike conventional explosives that rely on a blast effect, thermite generates intense heat capable of melting steel, making it an ideal choice for disabling equipment, vehicles, and bunkers.
‘Traditionally used for industrial purposes, such as welding or cutting metal, thermite’s destructive capabilities have now been harnessed in warfare, where it is being deployed via drones to achieve high-precision strikes.’
Dr Iain Overton, executive director of AOAV, warned of the dire consequences of using such weapons.
He said: ‘The widespread use of thermite bombs increases the likelihood of these weapons being deployed in populated areas.
‘The result could be catastrophic, with horrific injuries and loss of life among civilians.’
Psychological warfare
Away from how destructive ‘Dragon’ drones could be, the actual sight of molten liquid pouring from the sky could serve as psychological warfare against Russians.
Military expert Emil Kastehelmi stressed that ‘from a psychological viewpoint it is rather terrifying’.
‘This is also a new twist to the fear of drones. Imagine: out of nowhere, fire starts raining down from the sky, and there is nothing you can do to stop it,’ he said.
‘You cannot put it out with water. Your comrades are screaming, caught in flames, like human torches.
‘This tactic has not been widely seen before, and I am unsure how common it will become.
‘It will not replace FPVs or bombers as a common strike method against infantry or vehicles, but it’s a potential addition to existing capabilities, at least for special purposes.’
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