September 04, 2024

‘Flamethrower drones’ shower Ukraine battlefield with molten thermite

Source: The I

Journalist: Kieron Monks

The footage from Ukraine marks the first known occasion of thermite being deployed by drone to saturate a concealed target, marking a new innovation, according to Samuel Bendett, a drone researcher at the Centre for a New American Security think-tank.

“I have not seen that particular drone application before, but [I’m] not surprised that Ukrainians are leading the charge once again, since they have been the first to utilise many drones in novel ways throughout this conflict,” he said.

“The particular use of that drone to burn out that forested area is probably brought about by the need to clear such areas, given that is often where the soldiers hide, systems like artillery and mortars can be positioned to hide from drones, and forested areas are places where soldiers can regroup, fortify and otherwise position themselves for continued warfare. So taking out such areas is key.”

Read the full story from The I.

Author

  • Samuel Bendett

    Adjunct Senior Fellow, Technology and National Security Program

    Samuel Bendett is an Adviser with CNA Strategy, Policy, Plans and Programs Center (SP3), where he is a member of the Russia Studies Program. His work involves research on the ...