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footage depicting the fallout of dragon drones spraying Russian tanks with molten thermite.” />30th Mechanized Brigade
- Recent footage reveals a Ukrainian “dragon” drone seemingly obliterating a Russian tank using “molten thermite.”
- The clip was posted on X by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
- Military analysts suggest that these drones are intended to instill fear among Russian forces.
A newly released video appears to depict a Ukrainian ”dragon” drone successfully destroying a Russian tank.
This footage was shared on X by Ukraine’s defense ministry, which claimed in its post that the drone unleashed “molten thermite” upon the enemy vehicle.
According to Forbes, this incident occurred near Minkivka in eastern Ukraine.
Business Insider has not been able to independently verify the authenticity of this video.
Incredible combat footage: A “dragon” drone releases molten thermite onto a Russian tank, resulting in its destruction. 📹: 30th Mechanized Brigade
pic.twitter.com/gPP8mMmXz— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU)
October 4, 2024
Reports indicate that Ukrainian forces began deploying thermite drones as early as September when several videos emerged online showing these drones dispersing incendiary materials capable of melting metal structures.
Thermite is composed of aluminum powder mixed with metal oxide and can burn at temperatures reaching approximately 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit when ignited.
James Patton Rogers, an expert on drones and executive director at the Cornell Brooks Tech Policy Institute, previously noted that while thermite has been utilized in military operations for decades, employing drones for its deployment represents an innovative and intimidating evolution in modern warfare. He emphasized that such tactics could compel enemy retreats through sheer terror and destruction caused by fire from above.
“The widespread presence of drones over battlefields is already daunting; now troops must also face the very real danger posed by molten metal raining down,” stated Patton Rogers.
The Ministry of Defense reported on Saturday that since February 2022, Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed 8,916 Russian tanks during ongoing hostilities.
This escalating loss of equipment will likely exacerbate Russia’s increasing defense expenditures amid soaring inflation rates within the country. In response to persistent inflationary pressures, Russia’s central bank raised its key interest rate to 19% in September.
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