Russia develops flamethrower FPV drones to counter Ukrainian UAV attacks.

On November 14, 2024, the Russian Telegram channel UAV Technician announced a new development by Russian engineers: a flamethrower-equipped FPV (First-Person View) drone designed to counter Ukrainian UAVs, including models like Mavic and Vampire. This innovation underscores the ongoing adaptations in drone warfare between Russia and Ukraine, where unmanned aerial systems play a central role in military operations.
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The ability of Ukraine's drones to evade traditional countermeasures, operate in swarms, and deliver payloads effectively has pushed Russian forces to adopt incendiary-equipped FPV drones to try to intercept and destroy them mid-flight. (Picture source: Telegram/UAV Technician)

This Russian initiative follows Ukraine's introduction of the "dragon drone" in September 2024. Equipped to deploy incendiary substances such as thermite, these Ukrainian drones have been documented setting fire to Russian-held treelines, effectively disrupting positions and equipment in forested areas. The Russian flamethrower drones aim to neutralize such threats by targeting Ukrainian UAVs mid-flight, potentially diminishing their reconnaissance and offensive effectiveness.

The use of flamethrower-equipped drones extends beyond the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the United States, companies like Throwflame have developed attachments such as the TF-19 Wasp, capable of projecting flames up to 25 feet. While marketed for agricultural and industrial applications, such as clearing debris or pest control, these systems highlight the dual-use potential of such technology. Similarly, China has equipped drones with flamethrowers for non-military tasks, including clearing debris from power lines and waste management. Ukraine has taken a distinct approach by adapting commercial drones for military purposes, using thermite payloads to create "dragon drones" capable of delivering molten metal onto enemy positions.

The deployment of flamethrower-equipped FPV drones reflects the differing strategies of the two sides in the conflict. Russian forces primarily employ these drones for counter-UAV operations, using incendiary attacks to disable or destroy Ukrainian drones mid-flight. This strategy aims to reduce the reconnaissance and offensive capabilities of Ukrainian forces. Conversely, Ukraine employs "dragon drones" offensively, targeting Russian positions with molten thermite to destroy equipment, dislodge personnel, and disrupt supply chains.

Russian forces are prioritizing flamethrower-equipped FPV drones to address the growing threat posed by Ukrainian drones, including FPV models. These Ukrainian drones have been modified for precise targeting, enabling them to strike Russian military assets such as tanks and helicopters, while also conducting reconnaissance and incendiary attacks. For instance, Ukrainian FPV drones have targeted Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters, and "dragon drones" have inflicted significant damage on equipment and positions with molten thermite. The ability of these drones to evade traditional countermeasures, operate in swarms, and deliver payloads effectively has pushed Russian forces to adopt incendiary-equipped FPV drones to try to intercept and destroy them mid-flight.