Dragon Drones

Source: This post on Dragon Drones has been created based on the article “What are ‘dragon drones’, the latest weapon being used in Russia-Ukraine war?” published in Indian Express on 14^th October 2024.

Why in the news?

Dragon drones were recently deployed by both Russian and Ukrainian forces.

About Dragon Drones

1. These drones release a substance called thermite, which is a mixture of aluminium and iron oxide. It was initially developed for welding railroad tracks over a century ago.

2. When ignited by an electrical fuse, thermite initiates a self-sustaining reaction that can burn through various materials, including clothes, trees, and even military vehicles.

3. The reaction is intense enough to continue burning underwater and causes severe burns and bone damage on contact with humans.

Tactical Advantages of Dragon Drones

1. Bypassing Defenses: Dragon drones combine thermite with high-precision drone technology, making them highly effective and capable of evading traditional defensive measures.

2. Military Application: Ukrainian forces reportedly used these drones to burn vegetation, exposing Russian troops and their equipment. Russian forces have since adopted similar tactics with their own dragon drones.

Legality and Regulations

1. International Law: While the use of thermite is not outright banned, it is restricted under international law to avoid civilian casualties.

2. Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: Incendiary weapons like thermite are limited to military targets due to their indiscriminate nature and the severe burns they cause. Using thermite on civilian targets is prohibited, but its use against military targets remains legal.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology