Russian fibre-optic-controlled drones: a new challenge on the frontline

These drones use an innovative control system based on fibre optic cable, which makes them much more difficult to detect and neutralise using traditional methods.

Forbes reports that.

Game-changing technology

The main feature of the new drones is the use of a fibre optic cable to transmit commands from the operator to the drone. The cable unwinds as the drone moves, providing reliable communication with the operator without the use of radio signals. This makes such UAVs virtually immune to REB tools, which are usually aimed at intercepting or jamming the radio frequency communication channel.

In addition, the fibre optic cable makes it impossible to detect the drone operator's location using conventional direction finding techniques. This creates additional difficulties for an adversary attempting to neutralise the control centre.

Ukrainian response

Interestingly, Ukraine captured a prototype of a Russian fibre optic drone back in March 2023. This gave Ukrainian specialists the opportunity to study the device and the principle of operation of the new technology. Now Ukrainian developers are actively working on creating their own analogues of such drones, which could significantly change the balance of power on the battlefield.