In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, innovative tactics have emerged to neutralize Russian military assets. Ukrainian forces are deploying drones equipped with molten thermite munitions to ensure that damaged Russian tanks cannot be repaired and reused in battle. These drones release high-temperature incendiary materials, effectively rendering vehicles permanently unusable. A Kyiv-based company named "Burning Watermelon" is producing this specialized ammunition, which disperses thermite at over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The strategy not only prevents repairs but also demonstrates Ukraine's adaptability in utilizing advanced technology for defense purposes.

Thermite Munitions: The Science Behind the Fire

The use of thermite by Ukrainian forces represents a sophisticated approach to disabling enemy equipment. This incendiary material consists of small metal fragments that burn at extreme temperatures, making it highly effective against armored vehicles. Produced by the company Burning Watermelon, these munitions can either be dispersed onto targets or delivered directly via drone landings. Their design ensures an even ignition, capable of destroying both vehicles and entrenched positions.

Burning Watermelon initially manufactured smoke bombs for military training and evacuation operations. Over time, they expanded their product line to include thermite-based ammunition designed to ignite concealed enemy locations. According to Volodymyr, a partner at the company, the thermite munitions weigh between 500 grams and 2.5 kilograms and cost approximately 20 to 30 euros each. Despite Russia’s focus on protecting its equipment against shrapnel using combustible materials like rubber, this same protection makes their gear more susceptible to thermite attacks. The company produces up to 20,000 units monthly, supplying front-line soldiers with efficient tools for destruction tasks.

Diverse Applications of Thermite Drones

Beyond targeting tanks, thermite-dispensing drones serve multiple roles in the battlefield. Footage reviewed by Business Insider reveals drones setting fire to tree lines, likely targeting hidden Russian positions or equipment among the foliage. During nighttime operations, the release of thermite creates a vivid yellow glow, earning it the nickname “Golden Rain.” Ukrainian soldiers humorously refer to this ammunition as “Dracarys,” inspired by the famous command from the television series "Game of Thrones." Such creative naming reflects the morale and spirit within Ukraine's armed forces.

The proliferation of thermite-equipped drones across various units highlights the ingenuity of Ukraine's defense industry. These unmanned aerial vehicles come in numerous designs, each tailored for specific missions. Some release munitions over enemy positions, while others act as kamikaze drones, flying directly into armored vehicles before detonation. Additionally, larger drones function as motherships, launching smaller drones to expand operational capabilities. Since the autumn, videos showcasing these tactics have gained attention, displaying how Ukrainian drones illuminate and devastate tree lines with patches of fire. This technological advancement underscores Ukraine's determination to counter Russian aggression through innovation and resourcefulness.