Ukraine is deploying new incendiary weapons, including “dragon drones”, in its fight against Russian forces, the Defence Ministry revealed through a social media post. These drones drop thermite, a substance that burns at extreme temperatures, causing extensive damage to both military and civilian targets. While the use of thermite in warfare is not illegal on military targets, its effects can have catastrophic consequences if used in populated areas. The United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs discourages the use of incendiary weapons due to the difficulty in containing the fires they produce and the environmental damage they cause. Ukraine’s use of thermite has been noted by analysts, although it is unclear if the US, a major weapons supplier to Ukraine, provides thermite-grade weapons.
Dragon drones are seen as a significant new development in drone warfare, as they instill fear and psychological damage in the enemy. The use of thermite in weapons is not new, with historical precedents in World War I and World War II. However, the use of dragon drones represents a new and innovative way of utilizing this incendiary substance in modern conflict. Experts believe that the fear and psychological impact of fire raining down from the sky are likely to be more impactful than the physical destruction caused by these drones. However, Ukraine’s limited thermite capabilities may limit the widespread use of dragon drones in the conflict. Russia may also increase its use of these weapons if they prove effective against Ukrainian forces.
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