Ukraine has unveiled a new battlefield innovation in its ongoing conflict with Russia, deploying “dragon drones” that rain down molten metal on enemy positions. These low-flying drones, captured in a series of videos on social media, including posts by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry on Telegram, showcase a modern adaptation of an age-old weapon used in both world wars.

The drones drop thermite—a white-hot mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide—that burns at temperatures reaching 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,200 degrees Celsius). As the thermite falls from the drones, it resembles fire spewing from the mouth of a mythical dragon, earning these devices their formidable nickname. The molten metal not only burns through trees and vegetation providing cover to Russian troops but can also kill or severely disable soldiers in its path.

The Ukrainian 60th Mechanized Brigade, one of the units employing these drones, praised their effectiveness in a social media post: “Strike Drones are our wings of vengeance, bringing fire straight from the sky!” The post highlighted the precision of these drones, stating they pose a unique and devastating threat to Russian forces, achieving accuracy unmatched by other weapons.

This innovative use of thermite represents Ukraine’s continuous efforts to leverage modern technology in the war, adapting tactics to overcome conventional battlefield challenges. The deployment of “dragon drones” underscores Ukraine’s strategic shift towards more unconventional warfare methods, using drones not just for surveillance or conventional strikes but as a psychological and physical tool to disrupt enemy positions.

As the conflict evolves, these fire-spewing drones could become a significant factor in Ukraine’s defensive and offensive strategies, symbolizing a fierce and relentless resistance against the Russian invasion.