Ukrainian radio technology specialist Serhiy Beskrestnov (also known as Serhiy Flash) has questioned Russia’s claim of developing a new fiber-optic-controlled drone, suggesting that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may actually be sourced from China.
Beskrestnov’s allegations highlight Russia’s reliance on foreign technology for military operations, despite official statements to the contrary.
In a post on social media, Beskrestnov stated, “There are discussions among enemy groups that the Russian fiber-optic ‘Vandal’ drone does not exist. Instead, it’s a Chinese drone purchased for $2,000.” He further claimed that these drones might be procured for Russian military use at a significantly inflated price of $17,000.
Russia has recently increased the use of fiber-optic FPV drones in combat, with officials boasting that such UAVs are immune to electronic warfare (EW) countermeasures due to their lack of radio signals. Russian sources previously celebrated the debut of what they called the “Prince Vandal of Novgorod” drone, developed by the Novgorod-based NPC Ushkuy. Russian military sources stated that “no EW systems can affect it, and the images captured are clear and unaffected.”
According to Beskrestnov, this so-called Russian innovation is, in fact, a Chinese Skywalker drone, which is sold commercially and known for its fiber-optic capabilities. Unlike traditional drones, which can be jammed by EW systems, fiber-optic drones remain resistant to such interference, as they rely on a physical cable for control, rather than radio frequencies. Additionally, these drones are undetectable by most UAV detectors due to the absence of radio control and video transmission signals.
Russia’s reliance on these foreign-made drones and components further underscores the country’s difficulties in developing cutting-edge technologies independently, despite public claims of innovation and self-sufficiency.