A new and dangerous weapon, the “Dragon Drone,” has emerged in the Russia-Ukraine war. Both sides have shared videos of attacks from this drone. These drones release molten metal, which is very hot and burns at 2,427 degrees Celsius.
What is “Dragon Drone”
- “Dragon Drone” actually uses a substance called thermite, which is a mixture of aluminum and iron oxide.
- It was first developed to weld railway tracks. When it is ignited, it produces a self-sustaining reaction, which is quite difficult to extinguish.
- It is capable of burning any material, be it cloth, trees, military vehicles, or even underwater. The effects of thermite on humans are serious, including burns and bone damage.
- The combination of high-precision drones with thermite makes the Dragon Drone “highly effective” and “dangerous”.
- The Dragon Drone is believed to have been first deployed in combat around September. The Ukrainian army used them to burn vegetation used by Russian troops for cover, leaving them open to attack.
Has thermite been used before
- Yes, thermite was used in both world wars.
- In World War I, German Zeppelins dropped thermite-filled bombs, which were considered an innovation at the time.
- During World War II, thermite-filled bombs became a key part of the Allies’ and Axis’ aerial bombing campaigns. According to some estimates, the Allies dropped about 30 million thermite bombs on Germany.
- In modern conflicts, thermite is commonly used by espionage agents or special operations teams, as it burns intensely without producing an explosion.
Is it legal to use thermite
- Under international law, the use of thermite is not prohibited in warfare. However, the use of such incendiary weapons against civilian targets is prohibited under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
- Conclusion: The rise of the Dragon Drone reflects the modern approach to warfare, where old weapons are finding new and deadly uses. The combination of high-precision drones with substances such as thermite is introducing new challenges to conflicts, raising serious questions about the law of war and humanity.