Dragon Drones: Thermite Weapon in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Why in the news?

Dragon drones, using thermite to burn through military targets, were deployed in the Russia-Ukraine war, raising concerns over their destructive power and legal implications.

Dragon Drones: Thermite Weapon in Russia-Ukraine Conflict

What Are Dragon Drones?

  • Dragon drones are a deadly new weapon used in the Russia-Ukraine war.
  • They release thermite, a mixture of aluminium and iron oxide, which burns at 2,427°C.
  • Thermite, developed for welding railroad tracks, ignites with an electrical fuse, causing a self-sustaining reaction that is hard to extinguish.
  • It can burn through anything, from clothing to military vehicles, and can even burn underwater.

Use in the Russia-Ukraine War:

  • First deployed in the war around September, both Russia and Ukraine are using dragon drones.
  • Ukrainian forces reportedly used them to burn vegetation hiding Russian troops, exposing them for direct attacks.
  • Russian forces soon began producing their own versions of these drones.

Historical and Legal Context:

  • Thermite was used in both World Wars, especially in bombing campaigns by Allies and Axis forces.
  • During WWII, over 40 million thermite bombs were dropped on Germany and Japan.
  • International law does not prohibit the use of thermite in war, but its use against civilians is banned under Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons due to its indiscriminate effects.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times