Fiber-optic drones: Stealthy game-changer in Ukraine conflict
Drones have become a pivotal part of warfare in Ukraine, following closely behind artillery. Protecting heavy equipment by hiding it within ruined buildings no longer guarantees its safety; even a small exposure can lead to the loss of equipment worth millions.
The advent and proliferation of fiber-optically controlled drones a few months ago have transformed the battlefield, as jammers are rendered ineffective against them. However, it's important to note that these drones are still relatively uncommon.
As a result, fiber-optically controlled drones are primarily used for targeting high-value assets, especially those behind enemy lines where jammers are prevalent. In the video below, you can observe drones infiltrating hangars where Russian forces have concealed self-propelled howitzers. The first appears to be a 2S1 Gvozdika, and the second a 2S19 Msta-S, both of which were destroyed.
Fiber-optically controlled drones — returning to the state from late 2022 to early 2023
Drones connected to a control station via fiber optics have led to a return to the conditions witnessed from late 2022 to early 2023, when drones essentially eliminated armoured equipment with impunity, and defenses against them were only beginning to emerge.
Over time, jammers were developed, which, depending on the frequency used by enemy drone operators, sometimes succeeded and sometimes failed. This created fluctuations in the effectiveness of drone operations, alternating between periods of impunity and periods of ineffectiveness.
Fiber-optically controlled drones have mitigated this — one might say — fluctuating pattern because they cannot be jammed; moreover, they are passive and emit no radio signals. Detectors can detect these, allowing for observation from the drone's camera.
The use of fiber-optic connections comes with the necessity of carrying a spool with the unwinding fiber-optic cable, which limits the range and payload capacity of the drone. The range of these drones can extend from 6 to 12 miles or even up to 25 miles, as noted by an officer with the pseudonym "Madziar" in a report. However, as the range increases, the payload capacity decreases.
