The ongoing war in Ukraine has spurred the development of remarkable drones, including those designed to shoot fire. Recently analyzed footage by Business Insider depicts a small Ukrainian drone stealthily approaching a Russian tank, closely tracking its target. The drone then lands on the Russian vehicle, releasing a cloud of smoke followed by a burst of sparks that ignites a fire. Soon enough, the tank is engulfed in flames.
This dramatic attack illustrates a tactical approach Ukrainian forces are using to eliminate incapacitated Russian tanks: they are equipping drones with incendiary munitions. Volodymyr, a partner at a Ukrainian ammunition manufacturing company who requested only his first name be used for security reasons, shared, “It’s used to incinerate already damaged vehicles to prevent the enemy from repairing them,” conveying this through a translator in Kyiv. The company, “Burning Watermelon,” produces a munition dispersing an incendiary substance identified as molten thermite—composed of small metal particles that burn at over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
According to Britain’s defense ministry, Russia has lost more than 11,000 tanks and armored vehicles since initiating its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
An abandoned Russian T-62 tank, captured by Ukrainian forces.
Many Russian tanks have been annihilated in combat, crippled by anti-tank missiles, artillery, mines, drones, and loitering munitions. Others have merely become immobile due to damage, leading troops to abandon these vehicles with hopes of returning for repairs later. For Ukraine, it is crucial to ensure that Russia’s damaged tanks remain inoperative, preventing their return to the battlefield. This is where molten thermite comes into play.
Burning Watermelon crafts compact, streamlined munitions that can be attached to a drone like any typical explosive payload. The drone can either disperse the thermite onto a target or land on it and apply the substance like a smoke grenade, igniting a blaze that could render a tank inoperable permanently.
Volodymyr noted that the thermite munitions “create high temperatures and evenly ignite all the materials,” making them effective against both vehicles and entrenched positions. Burning Watermelon originally focused on producing smoke bombs for Ukrainian military training and the safe evacuation of injured personnel. The company later developed ammunition designed to burn like a flare, igniting concealed Russian positions.
Ukrainian thermite-dropping drones are swiftly being adopted across various units. As illustrated in footage, a drone from the 60th Mechanized Brigade releases molten thermite over a tree line held by Russian forces.
On the battlefield, Volodymyr mentioned that Russia mainly concentrates on defending its equipment against shrapnel using combustible materials like rubber. However, this choice compromises their defenses against thermite attacks. “It protects against shrapnel, but everything burns very easily,” he explained.
The thermite ammunition weighs between 500 grams and 2.5 kilograms (1.1 to 5.5 pounds) and costs approximately 20 to 30 euros ($21 to $33 USD), depending on the variant. Burning Watermelon has the capacity to produce 20,000 units monthly from its manufacturing sites across Ukraine, shipping them directly to frontline troops. “For a modest price,” Volodymyr stated, “soldiers gain access to an effective tool when it comes to destruction.”
The fire-breathing munitions from Burning Watermelon can also target other assets, not just armored vehicles. Business Insider reviewed footage showing a drone releasing incendiary material onto a treeline, presumably aiming at Russian positions hidden among the foliage.
Nighttime footage captures a Ukrainian drone enveloping a Russian-held treeline in molten thermite, igniting multiple Russian emplacements.
The release of thermite from the drones resembles a bright golden rain, which Volodymyr refers to as “Golden Rain.” Additionally, Ukrainian soldiers have dubbed this type of ammunition “Dracarys,” inspired by the command for a dragon to breathe fire in the popular TV series “Game of Thrones.” Videos showcasing this tactic began circulating in the fall, revealing a Ukrainian drone illuminating a treeline with patches of fire.
Thermite-dispensing drones exemplify the innovative armament emerging from Ukraine’s defense sector as it seeks to outmaneuver Russian forces. A diverse array of small, unmanned aerial vehicles equipped for various missions has become a notable characteristic of the ongoing three-year conflict. Some drones are designed to drop munitions on Russian positions, while others aim to crash directly into armored vehicles before exploding. Moreover, Ukraine has even developed drones capable of launching additional drones, effectively serving as a type of “mothership.”
