Ukraine’s Thermite-Spewing “Dragon” Drone that Scorches Russian Positions

This new tech delivers a swift, deadly strike against enemy troops and equipment. Here’s how it works:

One of the earliest reported uses of this drone was by Ukraine’s No Chance assault drone unit, which set fire to a forest belt in the “gray zone.” Unconfirmed reports claim the burning mixture reached temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius.

More videos have surfaced of these flame-throwing drones in action, but Ukrainian military officials have not disclosed specific details about the drones, including their design. What’s clear is that they’re hitting multiple frontline areas, and their use is rapidly increasing.

How does the "fire rain" work? Experts from Militarnyi suggest a large number of sparks and white smoke point to a thermite warhead—a metal powder mix that generates extreme heat when ignited. Operators likely used thermite made from simple components like powders of oxidized iron (rust) and aluminum, a mixture often used in industrial welding, such as joining railway tracks.

The temperature produced is so extreme it can ignite not only grass but also trees and everything around them, including Russian military positions.

Once the flammable mixture is exhausted, the drone detonates. The exact warhead charge is unknown, but estimates suggest the total payload weighs up to 8 kg, which is the maximum capacity for a powerful 13-inch FPV drone.​

This new development by the Ukrainian Armed Forces signals a major shift in warfare tactics. Military reports indicate that Russian forces in the Pokrovsk direction have turned to infantry assaults with minimal equipment, as armored vehicles have become easy prey for FPV drones. However, targeting entrenched infantry in tree lines is more difficult, and individual soldiers present smaller, harder-to-hit targets. Artillery fire isn't always reliable either, especially with the current shortage of shells in Ukraine.

This makes the “Dragon” drone a highly effective weapon against Russian infantry hiding in fortified positions. It not only unleashes fire on troops but also engulfs the surrounding vegetation. In one video, a series of explosions hints at the drone triggering the detonation of a Russian ammunition depot.​

Creating flame-throwing drones is neither complicated nor expensive. Estimates indicate that adding a fire mixture to a drone raises the cost by only $10–$20, making it feasible for large-scale production.