Both pro-Ukrainian and pro-Russian military bloggers are now reporting the use of First-Person View (FPV) drones equipped with thermite canisters by both sides in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These drones have reportedly been deployed to burn tree lines where soldiers are positioned in trenches. Thermite, a mixture of metal powders including iron oxide and aluminum, ignites at temperatures exceeding 2,400°C, making it a devastating tool for destroying equipment, foliage, and fortifications.
The drones, dubbed “Dragon’s Breath” by some Ukrainian sources, have been seen in footage from the Zaporizhzhia region, showing thermite canisters igniting forested areas occupied by Russian forces. Russia, reportedly experimenting with similar drone technology.
Eastern Ukraine, a Ukrainian drone showers molten thermite on a Russian-held treeline.
Ukrainian thermite drones appear to be proliferating. pic.twitter.com/vWrypnC07C
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 3, 2024
Ukrainian thermite drones have hit the frontline in force, now in operation with several units.
Seen here, a Ukrainian drone from the Khorne Group drops molten thermite on Russian positions in a forest, setting the area ablaze. pic.twitter.com/RPFo7gHW7f
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 4, 2024
Ukrainian thermite dropping drones continue to rapidly proliferate through various drone units.
Seen here, a Ukrainian drone from the 60th Mechanized Brigade drops a stream of molten thermite on a Russian-held treeline. pic.twitter.com/o20diLuN1L
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 4, 2024
Previously, drones were primarily armed with conventional explosives such as grenades and small bombs. Thermite munitions introduce a new level of destructiveness, potentially bypassing armored vehicles and fortifications by setting fires capable of killing soldiers and damaging critical infrastructure.
While the Ukrainian-developed drones have gained attention, there are reports of Russian forces also deploying similar incendiary weapons, indicating a growing arms race in drone innovation.
Russian Army is also testing Ukraine’s “Dragon’s Breath” FPV drones to deploy thermite incendiary munitions.
It can reach temperatures exceeding 2,400 degrees Celsius (approximately 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit) when ignited.
Typically consists of iron oxide and aluminum powders. https://t.co/uLbB0PwyZa pic.twitter.com/XsoTvaT8FR
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 3, 2024
The terrifying potential of thermite munitions has raised concerns among military experts, as international law limits the use of incendiary weapons against personnel. Under the Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III) of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), these weapons are restricted in certain circumstances, though exceptions exist when alternative weapons are deemed ineffective.
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