‘Dragon’s Teeth’ fortifications explained: Viral war video shows Russian soldier on bike killed by Ukrainian drone amidst obstacles

It is said that ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ fortifications were originally developed by the Finnish during the Second World War to keep Red Army tanks at bay. Over the decades, these fortifications have become a common sight across conflict zones—and by the look of it, they continue to haunt the Russians.

 

A video shared by Ukrainian social media handles showed a Russian soldier riding an all-terrain vehicle being taken out by a drone. Seeing the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) heading toward him, the Russian serviceman was forced to make a sharp turn off the road—only to crash into Dragon’s Teeth positioned on either side. His quad bike overturned, and he landed on top of one of the triangular obstacles. The first-person view (FPV) drone, which appeared to be a quadcopter, didn’t let him escape, as it made contact within seconds, the viral video showed.

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WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO HERE ^

It was not immediately known when or where the video was shot. However, the footage bore the emblem of the "Wings to Hell" UAV strike company of the 103rd Brigade of the Armed Forces of the Ukrainian SSR. According to available information, they are specialized units attached to Ukraine’s broader Unmanned Systems Forces (USF), created as a separate branch to improve drone tactics, production, and training. 

 

What are 'Dragon’s Teeth' obstacles?

While modern tanks can break through concrete, ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ remain effective engineering obstacles. These fortifications are not only used to stop tanks and other large vehicles in their tracks, but also serve as tactical traps. Dragon’s Teeth block alternate routes for enemy vehicular movement, forcing them into ambush zones. Tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other heavy armor can be targeted from concealed positions, as the terrain offers them little room to maneuver.

 

Ditches and Dragon’s Teeth are often set up in locations that are visible to ambush groups, giving defenders a significant tactical advantage when the enemy arrives.

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Typically, these obstacles have tetrahedral shapes. Ukraine has laid countless Dragon’s Teeth across the country to slow down the Russian war machine in combat zones and to prevent surprise offensives in relatively peaceful regions.

 

Russia has also deployed Dragon’s Teeth in the ongoing war. A 2023 report claimed that at least six Belarusian factories were producing and supplying Moscow with these obstacles. Special high-strength concrete (M400 or M550, B40 class) was reportedly being used in their production. These fortifications were considered vital in the battles for Mariupol and on the key southern Kherson front, particularly on the east bank of the Dnieper River.

 

All-Terrain Vehicles in modern warfare:

Quad bikes, when used by defense forces, are known as military ATVs or tactical ATVs. They are preferred by servicemen for their speed, maneuverability, and off-road capabilities. In challenging terrains—such as dirt tracks, mountains, deserts, or forests—larger vehicles often struggle to reach the front lines.

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From supply runs to scouting and hit-and-run missions, quad bikes serve a variety of purposes. They consume far less fuel than larger military vehicles and are harder to detect by radar or aerial reconnaissance, making them especially valuable in modern, asymmetric warfare.

 

Russia–Ukraine war:

 

In a recent development, Russian forces have taken control of the settlement of Chervona Zirka in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Saturday.

 

Earlier, two people were killed and at least 14 injured when a Russian drone smashed into a residential high-rise in Ukraine’s Black Sea city of Odesa. Three children were among the wounded, with one in critical condition, according to regional Governor Oleh Kiper.

 

Footage posted by the State Emergency Service showed firefighters battling a blaze and helping residents out. Russia has intensified drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent weeks, as diplomatic efforts to end the nearly three-and-a-half-year-old war have stalled.

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