Russian fear: The return of incendiary 'dragon drones'
At the end of 2024, recordings of the so-called "dragon drones" emerged, showing them deploying thermite capable of burning through armour or concrete in certain areas. Now, these drones, feared by Russians, have returned. We explain what they are and how they work.
"Dragon drones" are one of the most effective methods of using controversial incendiary weapons. The principle involves using an FPV drone or larger types like the "Baba Yaga" as a carrier of incendiary substances, which could be a bomblet from a cluster bomb or even a welding bucket.
Subsequently, such a "dragon drone" releases its payload over enemy trenches, often hidden in forested areas that make it difficult to use regular FPV drones. The video below shows one such raid, leaving only scorched earth behind.
Thermite — an old solution known for burning cities
Thermite is an incendiary compound frequently used, for instance, in incendiary weapons during World War II, which resulted in many cities being thoroughly burned down. Chemically, it is a mixture of powdered aluminium with iron oxide (rust), enriched with magnesium serving as an igniter.
The use of an igniter is necessary because igniting thermite requires a high temperature of about 1,000 degrees Celsius, and upon ignition, it can reach temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees Celsius. This allows it to burn through even thick layers of concrete or tank armour if enough thermite is present.
Moreover, during the intense chemical reaction, molten metal is sprayed over the surrounding area. It is worth noting that thermite cannot be extinguished by cutting off oxygen because it contains oxygen in its composition; essentially, the only way is to wait for it to burn out.
On the other hand, attempting to extinguish it with water can cause even more damage because the immense temperature can result in the thermal decomposition of water into oxygen and explosive hydrogen.
The use of thermite, which belongs to the category of incendiary weapons, is regulated by the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which allows its use against armed forces except in built-up areas where civilians may be present.
