Fiber-Optic Drones are Changing Combat Ops in Ukrainian Skies
Fiber-optic drones are transforming military operations in Ukraine by providing enhanced protection against electronic interference
The widespread use of small drones has transformed warfare in Ukraine: both Ukrainian and Russian forces employ thousands for reconnaissance, transmitting real-time images to monitor the battlefield, and for attacks with explosives targeting soldiers, weapons, and vehicles precisely. Drones now account for 70% of all casualties in Ukraine, replacing conventional weapons as the deadliest tools of war.
Both sides aim to produce 3 to 4 million drones this year. Piloted via video goggles transmitting footage from the drone's camera, these "first-person view" (FPV) drones allow pilots to navigate as if flying the aircraft themselves.
In the meantime, however, both the Russian and Ukrainian armed forces have developed strong defenses against drone attacks. The most important is the use of jammers, which interrupt the radio link between pilot and drone by emitting strong signals on the same frequencies. It is estimated that at least 75% of all small drones are brought down and lost in this way.
In response to electronic warfare involving jammers, a new generation of FPV drones has emerged on the battlefield. These drones are no longer controlled by radio signals but by thin fiber-optic cables that link the pilot to the quadcopter. Unlike radio-controlled drones, fiber-optic drones cannot be jammed by opposing forces using electronic warfare.
The initial deployment of these devices occurred on the Russian side last year, with reports indicating that these drones were Chinese products adapted by the Russians. Ukraine quickly adopted this technology as well. In early January, Ukraine confirmed their use of the new drone technology on the battlefield as well.
In addition to offering protection against electronic interference, fiber optic drones provide several notable advantages. The fiber-optic cable facilitates the transmission of video images in substantially higher quality compared to radio-based systems. This enhancement ensures that the pilot receives clearer images and mitigates signal loss associated with increased distance or when the drone descends below the horizon - significantly enhance the accuracy of operations.
Furthermore, fiber-optic drones possess the capability to operate at lower altitudes compared to conventional radio-controlled drones, flying up to 60 kilometers per hour and performing maneuvers within a range of 10 kilometers. In areas with uneven terrain, signal interruptions can occur close to the ground, necessitating traditional drones to maintain a higher altitude to ensure reliable communication - this presents a disadvantage by making them detectable earlier, thereby increasing their vulnerability to countermeasures.
Drones controlled by fiber optics have their own challenges. The lines can become tangled or catch on objects, while the unwinding mechanism adds weight and reduces the loads the drones can carry. Fiber-optic drones also fly slower and are harder to maneuver due to cable fragility and risk of tangling. Sudden or fast moves can also cut the cable with propellers. Additionally, radio-controlled drones have a maximum operating distance of 200 kilometers, which is ten times greater than new fiber-optic drones.
Challenges aside, fiber-optic drones are already changing warfare. Armored vehicles need robust protection against these drones, which can operate up to 20 kilometers away, creating exclusion zones where they cannot be deployed effectively.
FPV drones and fiber-optic controlled drones are currently manufactured in Ukraine, with multiple newly formed teams involved in developing the technology. Reports from Chinese manufacturers indicate that the number of orders from Russia is increasing monthly, confirming that these drones are being used increasingly on all fronts.