Adragon drone (Ukrainian:Дрон-дракон) also known as "Dracarys" is a type ofincendiaryunmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) initially developed and dubbed byUkraine'sMinistry of Defense and Ukrainian private defense manufacturers. The drone is used to spray moltenthermite, at a temperature of around 2,000 °C (3,630 °F),[1] at military targets in order to burn down natural barriers and fortifications that hold combatant military units. The device was created in 2024 during theRusso–Ukrainian war as a means to destroy forested areas and remove the cover of Russian soldiers. Their first documented use was in August–September 2024.[2]
A dragon drone is anunmanned combat aerial vehicle that can dispensethermite, a combination of powderediron oxide and metal powder such as low-costaluminum. Dragon drones typically havefirst-person view in amultirotor configuration allowing the operator to ignite the thermite above a military target and then at low altitude slowly move horizontally as the burning thermite is sprayed or drips out and onto the target.[3]
Thermite can produce extreme heat exceeding 2,200 °C (3,990 °F) that can severely damage and burn through most materials, including flesh, wood and metal. As such, the dragon drone can destroy enemy personnel, their prepared positions and vehicles as well asarmoured fighting vehicles left with their hatches open. It can also ignite the enemy's fuel, lubricants and ammunition or at least act as adefoliant to expose an enemy under foliage cover.[2][3]
According to theAction on Armed Violence (AOAV), a Britishanti-war organization, exposure to lit thermite can lead to intensive and deepburns and damage tobones, while also potentially causing severepsychological trauma to the victims.[2] In a report on incendiary weapons released in 2022,Human Rights Watch stated that thermite and similar weapons are "notorious for their horrific human cost," and can inflict fourth and fifth-degree burns that "cause damage tomuscles,ligaments,tendons,nerves,blood vessels, and even bones", with treatment of survivors requiring constant care and months of recovery.[4]
Some dragon drones are stated to be developed by the private Ukrainian weapons manufacturer Steel Hornets, who have said that they produce light weapons carrying thermite which they claim "can burn through 4 millimetres (0.16 in) of metal in under 10 seconds".[2][5] While theUnited States Armed Forces manufacture thermite grenades, there is presently no evidence of the United States sending thermite-based weapons to Ukraine.[2][6]
Usage of dragon drones outside of directly targeting Russian forces and equipment includes assisting Ukrainianreconnaissance units by destroying forest foliage to expose enemy positions and equipment that can then be targeted with ground attacks or precision bombardment. Some military experts also stated that the fear and worry caused to Russian soldiers from the prospect of being horribly injured by molten thermite could cause more "psychological damage" to Russian forces than physical damage, and could significantly lower morale.[2][7] Defense industry analyst and former officer in theBritish Army Nicholas Drummond called the use of the weapon "quite innovative". Ukrainian military sources while speaking to the Ukrainian newspaperUkrainska Pravda stated that the primary use of the drones was to "destroy Russianinfantry that has taken cover in strips of forest".[3]
A post by the officialTwitter/X account of Ukraine'sMinistry of Defense included a video of the weapon being used in theKharkiv region againstRussian forces.[2] Several other videos posted on Twitter/X by military bloggers showed their use against multiple Russian forest encampments.[8] Ukraine's60th Mechanized Brigade stated in a social media post that "Strike Drones are our wings of vengeance, bringing fire straight from the sky!" and that "When our 'Vidar' works – the Russian woman will never sleep," withVidar referring to theNorse deity of vengeance.[9]
In September 2024 Russian forces used their own dragon drones in theirattack on Vuhledar.[10]
While it is illegal to use thermite-grade weapons against civilians, it is not considered illegal underinternational law to use them in military situations despite their destructive affects akin tonapalm orwhite phosphorus. However, it is also illegal for incendiary weapons to be used on populated areas or forested regions unless the foliage is expected to be covering military equipment. TheUnited Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs generally discourages their use due to the difficulty of containing fires produced by their effects, which can cause significant and widespreadenvironmental damage and civilian harm.[2]
AOAV reported that Ukraine has used thermite-grade weaponry on opposing military forces, and stated that Russian units possibly used similar weaponry inVuhledar on civilian areas in March 2023.[2] Ukraine also asserted that Russia used "unspecified incendiary munitions" on civilian areas nearKharkiv and inBakhmut.[4]
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