Fiber-optic drones: Russia’s new secret weapon in Ukraine’s war

According to a latest article, Forbes features that in the evolving tech-driven warfare between Russia and Ukraine, fiber-optic drones are emerging as a powerful weapon. 

These small, highly maneuverable drones, resistant to jamming, allow skilled operators to infiltrate buildings and dugouts, precisely targeting Ukrainian military vehicles.

A recent video shared by Russian sources shows a warhead-laden quadcopter drone slipping under a tarp and into a barn, where it hit a Ukrainian Bohdana wheeled howitzer. The drone's impact likely caused significant damage to the artillery piece, which is vital for Ukraine's military efforts.

Ukrainian manufacturers are producing the Bohdanas at a rapid pace, aiming to standardize their artillery, replace destroyed units, and reduce dependence on the United States for large artillery supplies. As such, maintaining production is a priority for Ukraine. However, Russia is intent on disrupting these efforts, using fiber-optic drones as a key tool in its strategy.

In past conflicts, artillery units would often employ the “shoot and scoot” tactic—firing a few rounds before quickly moving to avoid enemy counterfire. But the proliferation of small drones has altered this practice. Surveillance drones on both sides now monitor the 800-mile front line, making it easier to detect moving vehicles. As a result, artillery units often hide their howitzers in dugouts or inconspicuous buildings.

While larger drones struggle to reach these hidden positions, smaller first-person-view (FPV) drones, operated remotely by human controllers, can get in close and maneuver into tight spaces. However, most FPV drones rely on radio signals, which are vulnerable to jamming. To counteract this, some Russian units have switched to fiber-optic drones, connected via long spools of thin wire.

Despite their higher cost and challenges like visible trailing wires and the risk of tangling, fiber-optic drones help Russia overcome Ukraine's defences against smaller drones. The use of these drones is becoming a priority for both sides, with Ukraine also investing in similar technology to counter the threat.

By Naila Huseynova