A new and dangerous weapon has appeared in the Russia-Ukraine war, called the “dragon drone.” These unmanned flying machines can drop a powerful burning material called thermite, which burns at very high temperatures of over 2,427 degrees Celsius. This situation is worrying because it shows how advanced technology is being used with harmful materials in warfare.
Dragon drones release thermite, a mixture of aluminum and iron oxide. When fired up, usually with an electric spark, thermite produces intense heat capable of igniting metals, setting materials on fire, and causing serious harm to military equipment and personnel.
Ukrainian forces first used dragon drones around September 2023, targeting Russian soldiers and setting fire to nearby vegetation to prevent enemy troops from hiding. In response, Russian forces developed their own dragon drones to counter this new threat, sparking a race for aerial weaponry.
Thermite has been used in warfare for many years. It was first deployed by German zeppelins during World War I and became more popular in World War II, where both Allied and Axis forces used millions of thermite bombs.
Even though thermite has been used for a long time, using it in today’s warfare brings up important safety and moral issues.
Under international law, there are no specific prohibitions on the use of thermite in war. However, the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons has imposed restrictions on the use of incendiary weapons against civilians. Experts like Marina Miron from King’s College London have pointed out that thermite can cause severe injuries, making its use highly concerning.
Dragon drones are effective because they mix modern drone technology with the intense heat of thermite. They can drop their burning payloads directly on enemy targets while avoiding regular defense systems, making them hard to stop. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces are using these drones more and more, which is changing how battles are fought.
Organizations like Action on Armed Violence have warned about the dangerous effects of these weapons, stating that they have the potential to cause serious harm to both soldiers and civilians.Using dragon drones in war shows a new trend and emphasizes the importance of thinking carefully about how these technologies affect people.
The arrival of dragon drones in the Russia-Ukraine war marks a new phase in military technology, combining old weapons with new strategies. As both sides keep using these powerful drones, the international community needs to discuss the rules and legal aspects of these weapons to protect civilians and lessen suffering during conflicts.
