Ukrainian forces have ramped up their use of "dragon drones" on the battlefield, a tactic that has proven effective for targeting Russian tanks.
Drone Vs. Tank
Originally deployed to incinerate Russian trenches in forested areas, these drones have evolved to destroy armored vehicles, marking a significant development in Ukraine's drone warfare capabilities, according to WP.
Footage has emerged showing a Russian tank being struck by a guided anti-tank missile, followed by a dragon drone dropping thermite on the disabled vehicle.
This thermite, a mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide, ignites at extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,650 degrees Celsius), making it effective for penetrating tank armor and concrete bunkers.
Replaces Losses With Older Equipment
The strategic use of these drones allows Ukrainian forces to recover or destroy damaged Russian equipment in no man's land—areas not controlled by either side.
This tactic forces the Russian military to replace losses with older equipment, often salvaged from Soviet-era stockpiles, which may have inferior specifications compared to modern technology.
Ukrainians are creatively leveraging various munitions with their dragon drones. This includes incendiary bomb clusters, such as the ZAB-2.5T, derived from certain types of aerial bombs. These modifications allow the drones to deliver devastating payloads, making them a formidable tool in the ongoing conflict.
The impact of dragon drones extends beyond immediate destruction; they play a psychological role in the war, instilling fear and uncertainty in enemy ranks. As drone technology continues to advance, it is likely that these tactics will evolve, further shaping the landscape of modern warfare.
