Dragon Drones in the Russia-Ukraine War

Context

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, a new and deadly weapon has emerged: the “dragon drone.” This innovative use of drone technology has captured global attention due to its capability to deploy thermite, a highly incendiary substance, causing significant destruction on the battlefield.

What Are Dragon Drones?

Dragon drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) specifically modified to carry and release
- Thermite is a mixture of aluminum and iron oxide known for its extreme heat.
- When ignited, thermite burns at a temperature of approximately 2,427 degrees Celsius, capable of melting through various materials, including military-grade vehicles and other structures.
These drones have been employed by both Ukrainian and Russian forces.
The Mechanics of Thermite
- Chemical Properties: Thermite is notable for its self-sustaining reaction once ignited, making it incredibly difficult to extinguish.
  - Its burning properties allow it to cause severe damage to not just equipment, but also human targets, resulting in potentially fatal burns and injuries.
- Historical Use: Thermite has a long history of military application, dating back to World War I, where German zeppelins used thermite bombs. By World War II, both the Allies and Axis powers extensively employed thermite in their bombing campaigns, dropping millions of thermite bombs to incinerate enemy targets.
  - In modern warfare, its ability to burn intensely without an explosive blast has made it a tool for covert operations.
- International Law: While the use of thermite in warfare is not outright banned by international law, its application raises significant ethical concerns.
  - The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) prohibits the use of incendiary weapons against civilian targets, reflecting the dangers these weapons pose.
    - Protocol III of the CCW limits the use of thermite to strictly military targets due to its indiscriminate nature and potential for causing severe burns and respiratory injuries.

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