In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the battlefield has transformed into an experimental lab for improvised drone modifications, as both sides engage in a competitive race for innovation. A recent report from The New York Times highlights how Ukrainian forces have equipped drones with thermite, a substance that burns at impressive temperatures of 4,400 degrees Fahrenheit (about 2,426 degrees Celsius), creating what soldiers refer to as “Dragon Drones.” This weapon is designed to drop molten metal onto Russian positions, igniting and destroying vegetation that provides cover to enemy troops.
Originally developed in the last century for welding railway tracks, thermite is notoriously difficult to extinguish once ignited. Ukrainian troops have adapted it to their drones, effectively creating a rain of burning metal that leaves Russian soldiers vulnerable to direct assaults.
The “Dragon Drone” symbolizes a revolutionary shift in the conflict, with the Ukrainian frontlines becoming a testing ground for such adaptations. Recently, soldiers have taken to social media, sharing dozens of videos showcasing the “Dragon Drones” in action, instilling fear among adversaries.
Not to be outdone, Russian forces have begun developing their own versions of “Dragon Drones.” In a recent online post, Russian politician Andrei Medvedev shared footage depicting the use of these drones against Ukrainian troops, even quoting a line from “Game of Thrones”: “Power did not make us kings, but dragons did.”
Though international law does not specifically ban the use of thermite, the United Nations’ Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons prohibits the use of such incendiary devices in civilian areas. Nevertheless, the “Dragon Drones” have reportedly been used only against military targets, which has mitigated backlash.
As both Russia and Ukraine expand their drone fleets rapidly, the two nations are engaged in a fierce arms race to produce drones that are faster, further-reaching, and increasingly lethal, with the “Dragon Drone” merely representing a fraction of this trend.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced a goal to produce 1.5 million drones by 2024, with aspirations to boost that number to 4 million annually. Ukraine is also establishing a dedicated drone force in 2024, becoming the world’s first independent military unit specifically trained for drone warfare.
In response, Russia has shifted its economy toward a military-industrial complex, recently unveiling a 2025 budget with a 25% increase in military spending, surpassing $145 billion. This funding allows Moscow to ramp up its drone production at an astonishing pace.
In September, President Vladimir Putin met with defense industry officials, pushing for increased drone production efforts. While only 140,000 drones were delivered in 2023, Putin stated that production would increase tenfold in 2024 to reach 1.4 million.
Marina Miron, a defense researcher at King’s College London, noted that while Russia initially lagged, it is now investing heavily in research and development, enabling it to innovate more quickly than the U.S. “They are moving very fast,” she explained.
Both sides are witnessing an array of drone types appear on the battlefield. With assistance from Iran, Russian forces are reportedly receiving significant shipments of drones, with the capability to produce various models for use in the Ukrainian conflict.
High-altitude surveillance drones are providing crucial support for artillery and missile units, while Ukrainian naval drones are successfully pushing Russian forces out of significant areas in the Black Sea. Both sides are deploying drones equipped with satellite navigation for long-range attacks, capable of striking targets hundreds of miles away.
On the ground, the skies over Ukraine are filled with inexpensive, first-person view (FPV) drones that support one-time attack missions. Operated by soldiers using headsets that display live feeds, these drones can engage targets from miles away. Some are designed to explode upon impact, while others can hover over targets and drop munitions.
Captain Vyacheslav of the Ukrainian army noted that since his unit’s arrival in Pokrovsk in April, they have killed at least 3,000 Russian soldiers. “That’s just my unit,” he remarked, emphasizing the impact of their drone operations. He also shared a story about one of his soldiers suffering severe burns from a Russian drone attack, highlighting the dangers faced in the conflict.
He stressed that despite the rapid production of drones by both sides, experienced pilots are invaluable and irreplaceable. “The value of pilots is like gold; protecting them is crucial,” he concluded.
