Russia is testing flamethrower drones to counter Ukrainian incendiary drones, despite technical challenges limiting their effectiveness.
Russian forces are testing drones equipped with flame-throwers to counter Ukrainian drones, particularly those carrying incendiary mixtures. These Russian drones use a flammable solution projected over a short distance, but experts point to their low effectiveness against moving targets. In addition, their limited payload and the risk of overheating limit their use. These systems illustrate military innovations in conflict zones, while highlighting their technical challenges.
A technical overview of Russian flamethrower drones
The Russian drones recently tested use a simple technology based on modified commercial quadricopters. They carry a small quantity of flammable liquid, estimated at between 0.5 and 1 kg, projected by a spray mechanism to generate a flame-throwing effect with an effective range of 2 to 3 meters.
Operation relies on internal pressure to project the flammable liquid towards a targeted area. However, experts note that the limited amount of on-board fuel makes these drones suitable only for short missions. According to Federico Borsari, of the Center for European Policy Analysis, a payload allows barely a single operation before needing to be recharged.
The projection mechanism and the heat generated also pose challenges. If the drone remains stationary for too long, the thermal reflux could damage electronic components or lead to loss of control, making its effectiveness even more limited.
Flame-throwing drones versus Ukrainian drones
These Russian drones are primarily aimed at neutralizing Ukrainian First-Person-View (FPV) drones, often used to drop incendiary charges such as thermite. These Ukrainian drones, developed at low cost, are designed to expose enemy positions, cause fires in forested areas, or disrupt enemy lines.
However, the effectiveness of Russian flamethrower drones remains limited against moving targets. According to Samuel Bendett, a consultant at the Center for Naval Analyses, these drones require a precise position to aim at drones in flight. This technical requirement makes them effective only against fixed or low-speed drones, such as those used for reconnaissance.
In September 2023, Ukrainian FPV drones demonstrated their ability to disrupt Russian troops, prompting Moscow to innovate quickly. However, flamethrower drone technology still lags behind more advanced solutions such as electronic jammers or interceptor drones.
Economic and strategic implications
Innovations in drone warfare reflect asymmetrical costs. A Ukrainian FPV drone, assembled with commercial components, costs around €1,000 to €2,000, compared with more complex solutions such as flamethrower drones, which require custom design and technical modifications.
The rapid development of these technologies also highlights a psychological aspect: the deployment of flamethrower drones is intended to deter adversaries and disrupt their operations. However, their operational ineffectiveness could encourage the Ukrainians to step up their use of drones, given that Russian solutions remain imperfect.
On a strategic scale, both Russia and Ukraine are investing in military drone programs, fuelling a growing global market. In 2023, spending on military drones reached €14.1 billion, with an expected rise to €22 billion by 2030. This trend reflects an evolution in which drones are becoming a central element of modern conflicts, even for unconventional missions.
Technical challenges and prospects
Flamethrower drones illustrate the challenges of military innovation under duress. Although they respond to a specific threat, their technical limitations, such as short autonomy and the risk of overheating, underline their ineffectiveness in the face of evolving adversary technologies.
Alternatives such as radar- or laser-based anti-drone systems offer more viable prospects for neutralizing hostile drones. However, these solutions require substantial investment. For example, an anti-drone system such as DroneShield costs between 50,000 and 100,000 euros, well beyond the low-cost drones used in this conflict.
In a context where every tactical innovation can influence the course of combat, the development of flamethrower drones remains an imperfect attempt, but one that reveals urgent operational needs. Their future evolution will depend on the ability of Russian engineers to overcome their current weaknesses and integrate them into more global strategies.
The flamethrower drones tested by Russian forces illustrate the technical and strategic challenges posed by drone warfare. Although they respond to a specific threat, their limited effectiveness highlights the need for investment in more robust solutions. These systems also show how modern conflicts, in constant technological evolution, demand rapid but often imperfect responses. Ultimately, the balance between innovation, cost and effectiveness will determine their place on the battlefield.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.