Ukrainian forces have once again deployed the “Dragon Breath Drone” on the frontlines. This hovering drone, equipped with thermite—an incendiary metal mixture that burns at temperatures up to 5,400 degrees Fahrenheit—has been primarily used against Russian trenches and bunkers. However, the 30th Separate Mechanized Brigade recently reported its first successful use against a Russian tank. The brigade, which operates in the eastern Bakhmut sector, announced the attack on its social media channels, highlighting the drone’s effectiveness in this new role.
Footage from the strike shows the drone targeting a Russian tank already immobilized by an anti-tank missile. Hovering above the vehicle, the drone dropped its thermite payload, setting the tank ablaze and rendering it unusable. Military analysts suggested this could be the first recorded instance of the “Dragon Drone” being used against armored vehicles. While tanks are typically resistant to incendiary weapons, thermite can penetrate vulnerable areas, causing secondary explosions and disabling essential systems.
Truly unique combat footage: a “dragon” drone spews molten thermite on russian tank and destroys it.
📹: 30th Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/gPPQ8mMmXz
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 4, 2024
Ukrainian forces have previously used thermite-equipped drones to burn through tree lines, devastating Russian trenches and fortifications hidden beneath. However, a recent video shows a new tactic, with Ukrainian troops using flying the incendiary round directly into a Russian bunker.
⚡️A 🇺🇦Ukrainian FPV drone with thermite burns a 🇷🇺Russian bunker with infantry inside pic.twitter.com/akdh6eTTbL
— 🪖MilitaryNewsUA🇺🇦 (@front_ukrainian) October 3, 2024
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