Sep 10, 2024 - World

"Dragon drones" are spitting fire in the Russia-Ukraine war

Colin Demarest

A Ukrainian drone drops what appears to be fire over a forest. Smoke is pouring out the back. Military logos adorn the corners of the screenshot. — Social media is rife with footage from the Russia-Ukraine war. Screenshot: Ukraine Ministry of Defense/via X

Fire rains down on Russian positions in clips shared by the Ukrainian military, showcasing yet another drone-borne concoction in Eastern Europe.

Why it matters: Innovation is the name of the game in the Russia-Ukraine war — and this is among the latest and most terrifying weapons.

State of play: The "dragon drones" reportedly spew thermite, which burns with such intensity that it torches vegetation and sizzles through metal.

Online chatter likened them to "Game of Thrones" and the "dracarys" command that summons a belch of flame.
Ukrainian troops have dropped thermite bombs into hatches of abandoned Russian vehicles in the past. The result resembles a fireworks finale.

Friction point: Incendiary weapons can be indiscriminate and catastrophic. They also have a long history of use.

Human Rights Watch documented at least 82 attacks in Ukraine using such weaponry between February 2022 and April 2023.
It's also been used in Afghanistan, Gaza, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in the last 15 years, according to the group.

Be smart: Don't expect the dragon drones to swing the balance of the war. While novel and intimidating, their use is limited.

Go deeper: What the "rocket drone" Palianytsia means for Ukraine

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"Dragon drones" are spitting fire in the Russia-Ukraine war

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