06 October 2024 , 11:52
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This is the moment a Ukrainian Dragon drone rained molten metal down on a Russian tank, it has been claimed.
Footage released by Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence shows an armoured vehicle advancing moments before being stopped in its tracks by an explosion, likely by artillery fire.
A drone then approaches the tank from above and spews what looks like lava, but is actually molten thermite.
Ukraine’s 30th Mechanized Brigade circulated the video on X on Friday, showing the tank then being engulfed in flames.
‘Truly unique combat footage: a “dragon” drone spewing molten thermite on a Russian tank and destroying it,’ the ministry wrote.
Metro could not independently verify the authenticity of the video and where it was taken.
Truly unique combat footage: a "dragon" drone spews molten thermite on russian tank and destroys it.
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) October 4, 2024
????: 30th Mechanized Brigade pic.twitter.com/gPPQ8mMmXz
If accurate, it would be the latest example of its psychological warfare on Russians using the destructive Dragon drones.
The first proof of the new type of drone emerged on September 2, when videos began circulating on social media of one spraying what appeared to be hot metal on a woodland in an undisclosed part of the battlefield.
Dragon drones are understood to carry a substance called thermite, according to the UK-based anti-war advocacy organisation Action on Armed Violence (AOAV).
The mixture is made from metal powder – most often aluminium – and powdered iron oxide or rust.
They are capable of burning through metal and creating fires at temperatures of about 2,200°C.
Ivan Stupak, a military expert and former SBU officer, who has been speaking with Ukrainian soldiers on the frontline, described the drones as ‘state of art’.
He previously told us the weapon is larger than a First Person View drone – that has seen a rise in modern warfare – and has four propellers.
‘It appears to be more sophisticated than a normal drone and I suspect it will be used more widely in the coming months,’ he added.
‘Russia’s army may think Ukraine is showing off, but the Dragon drones will likely be developed to be able to sustain for longer periods, up to a minute.’