What are ‘dragon drones’, Ukraine’s latest weapon against Russia?


Ukraine is adding little-known incendiary weapons to its armoury in its battle to fend off the ongoing Russian invasion, including “fire-spitting” drones reminiscent of dragons.

On Wednesday, Ukraine’s Defence Ministry posted videos on the social media platform X showing a Ukrainian drone raining down what appeared to be fire – but was molten metal – on forested positions presumed to be hiding Russian units. Analysts say the weapon is a new and innovative introduction of an age-old weapon into the strategy of a Ukrainian military that has shown its growing proficiency in using small drones.

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Source: Al-Jazeera News


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