Drones guided via fiber optic cables are making their presence known in the ongoing war in Ukraine, offering both advantages and challenges in modern warfare.
These drones, harder to defeat than traditional First-Person View (FPV), are increasingly appearing in battlefield footage and raising concerns about their potential to change combat dynamics.
According to Sam Cranny-Evans from Calibre Defence, unlike conventional FPV drones, which rely on radio frequency signals, fibre optic FPVs use a light-weight fiber optic cable to transmit signals between the drone and its operator. This design eliminates the vulnerability of radio waves to electronic jamming, a technique widely employed in Ukraine to disrupt traditional FPVs.
The signal is now unjammable. Soldiers must rely on physical measures like finding cover or shooting down the drone to counter it. The use of fibre optics also enables higher bandwidth, leading to reduced latency and improved video quality, which enhances targeting precision.
The integration of fibre optics requires modifications to standard FPV drones. Frames must be reinforced to support the weight of the cable, spools, and payload. Motors and propellers are also upgraded to handle increased loads, including munitions like RPG-7 warheads.
The fibre optic cable itself is engineered to be lightweight yet durable, accommodating up to five wires for communication, video, and power. However, these drones face limitations in maneuverability due to the risk of snagging the cable on obstacles, which makes them somewhat more susceptible to small arms fire.
Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have adapted fibre optic FPVs for diverse missions. These drones are often deployed to target vehicles on roads or monitor positions before striking. Russian forces have been observed landing drones behind enemy lines to conserve battery power, activating them only when a target is within range.
In urban and open-field engagements, FPVs provide a tactical advantage by exploiting gaps in defensive measures. However, reports indicate that some attacks require multiple drones to neutralize heavily armored vehicles, highlighting their limitations against advanced defenses.
Despite their advantages, fibre optic FPVs are not infallible. Mechanical failures, issues with warhead detonation, and operational challenges can undermine their effectiveness. Advanced active protection systems like Rafael’s Trophy or BAE’s Storm Crow are being developed to counter these threats.
Video from a Ukrainian soldier of a Russian fiber optic cable FPV flying through the forest reportedly 7km from Russian forces.https://t.co/yRMyNiAvSV pic.twitter.com/mXQioRhqrR
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) December 11, 2024
Fibre optic FPVs have expanded beyond Ukraine, with reports of their use in Syria and other conflict zones. Their deployment signals a shift in drone warfare, emphasizing the need for countermeasures and tactical adjustments.
While their impact on heavily armored vehicles may be limited, fibre optic FPVs will likely remain a persistent threat to infantry and soft targets. As this technology evolves, so too will the strategies to mitigate its effects on the battlefield.