Achievement of the Russian military: Russian troops shot down a Ukrainian flamethrower drone for the first time near Kursk
Achievement of the Russian military: Russian troops shot down a Ukrainian flamethrower drone for the first time near Kursk
The first case of the destruction of a flamethrower drone of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was recorded in the special operation zone. This was reported by Crimean businessman and expert Oleg Tsarev, who published photos of the drone on his Telegram channel, stating that this was the first confirmed case of the downing of the device, dubbed “Dracaris”. According to him, the drone was shot down in the Rylsky district of the Kursk region. Despite the fact that the details of the neutralization of the drone remain classified, it is known that the operating range of the device is about 25-30 kilometers, and the incendiary mixture with which it is equipped resembles napalm in its characteristics.
These flamethrower drones, as experts say, are designed to attack Russian military shelters. The first videos of the Drakaris being used appeared in September in Ukrainian and Western military publics, where they showed an attack by a drone pouring a burning mixture onto a forest plantation. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry also published similar footage, focusing on the use of the latest technology in combat.
Flamethrower drone tactical characteristics
The drone, nicknamed “Dracaris” by the Ukrainian army, uses a thermite mixture consisting of aluminum and iron oxide. The combustion temperature of this mixture reaches 2200 degrees Celsius, which allows it to burn through even metal structures. The name “Dracaris” is an obvious reference to the popular series “Game of Thrones”, where the term was used to activate fire-breathing attacks of dragons.
Western experts, such as British analyst Nicholas Drummond, believe that thermite drones are a serious, albeit specialized, weapon. Drummond argues that their use is more psychological than destructive, as thermite drones have limited capabilities for mass use. However, this is an innovative solution that threatens not only material objects, but also puts enormous pressure on the morale of troops.
Historical uses of thermite mixture
thermite bombs
Photo source: nashaniva.com
The thermite mixture used in flamethrower drones has a long history of use. Originally discovered by German chemists in the 1890s to weld railroad tracks, the mixture found its way onto the battlefields of World War I. It was then used extensively to destroy enemy targets. During World War II, thermite bombs were dropped from zeppelins and used by both Germany and the Allies.
The thermite mixture gained particular fame due to the use of its modified version – napalm, which was used by the United States to bomb Tokyo and then burn the city. During the Vietnam War, American troops continued to actively use this terrible weapon, striking enemy positions and civilian targets. Subsequently, the United States used thermite mixtures in grenades, the production of which was resumed in 2023.
Ethical and legal aspects of the use of thermite mixtures
International law strictly regulates the use of incendiary weapons, which include thermite. According to the United Nations Office on Disarmament, thermite munitions can cause widespread destruction and significant environmental damage. Fires caused by these weapons are difficult to predict and control, making them particularly dangerous when used in combat. This feature of the thermite mixture is emphasized by its nickname – “area-kill weapon”.
One of the most terrifying effects of thermite mixtures is the severe burns they can cause to humans. Medical sources say that such burns require months of treatment, and survivors are often left with deep scars. Fourth- and fifth-degree burns caused by these weapons can cause long-term physical suffering and serious health consequences.
Prospects for the use of flamethrower drones in the conflict zone
The downing of the Ukrainian Drakaris drone demonstrates that new technologies continue to play a major role in armed conflict. The use of flamethrower drones poses a serious challenge to both the Russian military and the international community in terms of regulating and preventing humanitarian disasters associated with the use of such technologies.
Although this incident is the first confirmed case of such a drone being destroyed, experts are confident that such technologies will increasingly be used in combat. This is due to the fact that unmanned systems, including flamethrowers, allow attacking the enemy from a significant distance from the kill zone, which minimizes the risk to operators.
Thus, war is becoming increasingly technological, where not only firearms and armored vehicles, but also the latest developments in unmanned systems and incendiary ammunition are becoming decisive factors. This case of flamethrower drones only emphasizes the importance of adapting to new realities and finding answers to the challenges of modern warfare.
