# Dragon Drones (DD-757)

> Dragon drones are drones, typically modified first-person-view (FPV) types, that release burning thermite over positions; Ukrainian forces used them in the Russo-Ukrainian war, and they were first widely documented in 2024. Thermite burns at temperatures above 2,200 degrees Celsius, producing showers of molten metal. The footage, credited to HowThingsWork_, shows a drone dropping burning thermite over a field and buildings.

- Department: Military (also Tech)
- First published: 2026-10-23
- Last updated: 2026-10-23
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/dragon-drones/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **2024**: Dragon drones first widely documented

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=dragon-drones

## Quick facts

- **DD-757-F01**: Modified FPV drones. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Platform))_
- **DD-757-F02**: Thermite. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Payload))_

## Write-up

Drones in the war in The Ukraine began dropping molten thermite in 2024. Footage earned them the name dragon drones.

1. **Platform**: Modified FPV drones.
2. **Payload**: Thermite.
3. **Temperature**: Over 2,200 C.
4. **First documented**: 2024.
5. **Conflict**: Russo-Ukrainian war.

## Related case files

- [Drone Swarms (DD-437)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/drone-swarms/): I linked more drones

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Dragon Drones: Drones in the War in The Ukraine Began Dropping Molten Thermite in 2024

- Duration: 21.5 s · Published: 2026-10-23
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/De2aWS3Ss0N.mp4

### Transcript

Did you know The Ukraine's dragon drones range streams of burning metal over enemy positions? First widely documented in 2024, these weapons are typically modified first-person FPV drones, carrying an incendiary mixture called thermite. When ignited, the chemical can reach temperatures exceeding 2200 degrees Celsius. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Payload?**  
A: Incendiary. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Platform) · Wikipedia: Dragon drone)_

**Q: Drone type?**  
A: Modified. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Payload) · Wikipedia: Dragon drone; Wikipedia: Thermite)_

**Q: First widely documented?**  
A: Year. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Temperature) · Wikipedia: Thermite)_

**Q: Thermite temp?**  
A: Hot. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (First documented) · Wikipedia: Dragon drone)_

**Q: Nickname from?**  
A: Dragon. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Conflict) · Wikipedia: Dragon drone)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Dragon drone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dragon_drone)
- [Wikipedia: Thermite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermite)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Dragon Drones." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-757, last updated Oct 23, 2026. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/dragon-drones/