Rise of the "Dragon Drones" in Ukraine

Sat Apr 26 2025 07:19:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Rise of the "Dragon Drones" in Ukraine

Ukraine utilizes innovative thermite-equipped drones to combat Russian tactics.


Ukrainian forces develop "dragon drones" to tackle Russian troop concealment in forested areas, using thermite canisters that emit 4,400-degree molten metal.

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, innovative military strategies continue to emerge as both sides adapt to the shifting battlefield landscape. Ukrainian forces, confronted with Russian troops effectively using forested cover for strategic advances, have turned to drone technology enhanced with historical elements for a modern twist—a development that has significantly altered tactics on the ground.

These drones, outfitted with canisters capable of discharging thermite—a material generating intense heat—are now being deployed by soldiers in the Donetsk region. "Dragon drones," as the Ukrainian military has termed them, rain down burning metal that reaches temperatures of 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit, effectively disrupting enemy defensive positions and exposing troops and equipment concealed below. The thermite reaction, a product of aluminum and iron oxide igniting, is not new; its application in welding and warfare dates back over a century.

As a military maneuver, thermite was historically effective during the world wars and has been more recently adapted for artillery and grenades in Ukraine. Now, in the form of these updated aerial weapons, it targets the vegetation that Russian soldiers rely on for cover. By setting the forest canopy alight, it forces Russian troops into the open, making them vulnerable to further Ukrainian offensives.

Captain Viacheslav, a commander in the 68th Separate Jaeger Brigade’s strike drone unit known as "Dovbush’s Hornets," noted that previous efforts to displace Russian forces from their heavily vegetated cover had consumed considerable resources. However, with the drone innovation, Ukrainian forces are establishing an upper hand in an area marked by dense topographical challenges. Such advancements demonstrate the continuous adaptation of military strategies in the face of persistent conflict, blending old technologies with cutting-edge applications to gain an advantage on the battlefield.

MORE ON THEME

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:44:26 GMT

# Deadly Airstrikes in Kyiv: Russian Assault Claims Nine Lives Amid Tenuous Peace Talks

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:44:26 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:34:53 GMT

**Jordan Intensifies Crackdown on Muslim Brotherhood Amid Security Threats**

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:34:53 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:00:57 GMT

Rubio Skips U.S.-Ukraine Cease-Fire Talks Amidst Tensions Over Crimea

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:00:57 GMT
Sun, 20 Apr 2025 08:11:34 GMT

Ukraine Accuses Russia of Violating Easter Ceasefire Commitment

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 08:11:34 GMT
Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:21:24 GMT

**Putin Proposes 30-Hour Easter Truce, Ukraine Skeptical of Intentions**

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:21:24 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 22:18:54 GMT

**U.S. Signals Shift in Ukraine Peace Efforts as Talks Stall**

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 22:18:54 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 08:51:41 GMT

**U.S. Sets Urgent Timeline for Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict**

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 08:51:41 GMT
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:15:14 GMT

**Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Divisions: Macron Hosts US Officials Over Ukraine Conflict**

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:15:14 GMT
Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:28:23 GMT

Jordan Foils Alleged Plot Against National Security: 16 Arrested

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 17:28:23 GMT
Sat, 12 Apr 2025 04:59:58 GMT

Allied Nations Commit €21bn in Military Assistance to Ukraine

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 04:59:58 GMT
Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:37:45 GMT

### U.S. Defense Chief Participates Virtually in Key Ukraine Meeting Amid Shift in Support

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 19:37:45 GMT
Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:38:39 GMT

European Allies Unite to Provide €21bn Military Aid to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 14:38:39 GMT
Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:04 GMT

UK Bolsters Military Support to Ukraine with New £450m Package

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:04 GMT
Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:05:30 GMT

China Refutes Ukraine's Claims of Chinese Nationals Fighting for Russia

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 11:05:30 GMT
Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:22:06 GMT

Zelensky Says Two Chinese Citizens Captured Fighting for Russia

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 15:22:06 GMT
Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:29:33 GMT

Cease-Fire Considerations: Odesa's Reflection on Black Sea Truce with Russia

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:29:33 GMT
Sun, 06 Apr 2025 04:07:40 GMT

Russian Exiles Remain Skeptical of Peace Deals Amid Continued Uncertainty

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 04:07:40 GMT
Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:25:09 GMT

## Title: U.S. Operational Costs in Yemen Rise Amid Limited Effectiveness Against Houthi Forces

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:25:09 GMT
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:01:06 GMT

Putin's Stubbornness Impedes Peace Efforts Amid U.S. Frustration

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:01:06 GMT
Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:57:08 GMT

Four U.S. Soldiers Missing During Training Mission in Lithuania

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:57:08 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.