Fibre optic drones are changing the tide of the new war in Ukraine. This change is particularly momentous since Russia’s counteroffensive step into Kursk. Experts claim that upstart design Kyiv’s cutting-edge drones was pivotal to Moscow’s recent military victories. As the conflict develops, Ukraine is taking aim in a completely new area. The country is currently grappling to expand its production capacity for sophisticated combat drones.
The Achilles regiment, commanded by Capt Yuriy Fedorenko, has been a leader on deploying fibre optic drones. Capt Fedorenko addressed the audience on how these drones were produced in an experimental reaction to the immediate need posed by the threat of battlefield jamming. Their sudden widespread adoption late last year is emblematic of a broader change in military strategy.
Fibre optic drones allow for high-quality imagery of targets just before a strike. This unique capability continues to provide priceless battlefield intelligence. This capability is key in today’s battlefield, giving operators the real-time information they need to make the right decisions—even under intense pressure.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been personally involved in conversations with the country’s senior military commanders regarding the strategic impact of fibre optic drones. His administration recognizes the transformative power of these drones to reshape the conditions of battle. They wrote, “As of the start of this year, there are over 20 new certified drone models featuring fiber optic control systems. In fact, eleven of our Ukrainian private enterprises have completed production prototypes of such drones already.
These fibre optic drones can be deployed across a 20-kilometer range. They are the front line in the competition against adversary EW and jamming capabilities. Samuel Bendett, an expert on military technology, noted that these drones are particularly effective because “they cannot be jammed by electronic warfare.” This feature lets them target unsuspecting enemies with traditional, radio-controlled FPV drones.
Even with their benefits, experts say there are issues with fibre optic drones that have to be worked on. Dmytro, a pilot involved in training operators, remarked, “I think each operator will have five or six failed missions [in training].” Economies of operation pilots cannot avoid an enormous learning curve, and successful operation depends on experience and skill.
One critical question persists among military leaders: the vulnerability of the fibre optic cable itself. Capt Fedorenko highlighted this concern, stating, “That is the question everybody asks, if it’s possible to destroy the cable.” The drones’ unparalleled benefits in stealth and communications resilience, though, are more than alluring. That’s not where the weakness stops—what’s most concerning is the integrity of the cable itself.
Unlike traditional FPV drones—which can be built for as little as $400—the use of a fibre optic cable alone doubles this cost. Most military strategic thinkers agree that the advantages far exceed these disadvantages. Ten kilometers of fibre optic cable weighs only 1.2-1.4kg. This lightweight and compact integration allows rapid deployment in any number of operational environments. Now Ukraine’s armed forces are actively modeling with drones coated with coils of fibre optic cable. These coils are between 10 kilometers and an eye-popping 20 kilometers long.
The operational capabilities of fibre optic drones go above and beyond conventional drones. Oleksii, a frontline soldier, emphasized their strategic importance: “It’s just not happening now there are fibre optic drones. They cannot be jammed and for now they are the main concern for the guys on the frontline.” Having the capacity to fly low and maneuver through complicated environments not only makes these drones vastly more capable, but provides them a tactical edge over larger models.
Ukraine is now playing catch-up when it comes to technology as Russia continues to innovate. Accordingly, fibre optic drones are set to have a critical hand in shaping the outcomes of current and future military conflicts.