Fibre-optic drones redefine warfare in Ukraine conflict
The war between Russia and Ukraine has ushered in a new era of military technology, where fibre-optic-controlled drones play a crucial role. These innovative machines save lives, with their development supported by Ukrainian engineers and soldiers.
The war against Ukraine has become a catalyst for the development of modern military technologies. Fibre-optic-controlled drones are one of the latest inventions that significantly increase defence effectiveness. As noted by a drone operator with the pseudonym Butter, without these machines, Ukraine might only be able to defend itself along the Dnieper line, reports the Polish Press Agency.
On the edge of a forest in the Kyiv region, surrounded by off-road vehicles, a group of people watches a robot dog controlled by a cellphone. A young engineer named Maksym explains that these machines could in the future serve as couriers delivering ammunition or food to hard-to-reach positions. They can also act as kamikaze robot dogs.
However, it is the fibre-optic-controlled drones that attract the most attention. Thanks to this technology, the drones' operation is resistant to electronic warfare system disruptions. As expert Dmytro Sheynard explains, the only way to stop them is physical destruction.
Technological advantage. Drones can fly into enemy shelters
Fibre optics solve the problem of electromagnetic fields, which previously prevented the use of radio communications in drone control. Operator Butter emphasizes that although there is a risk of fibre damage, it is not significant because it is not under tension. These drones can precisely fly into enemy shelters without signal interference risk - explains PAP.
Tatiana, a war veteran now an instructor, notes that with proper training, operators can use fibre optics in various terrains, including urban areas.
Ukraine is intensively developing long-range drones, such as the Bober model, capable of attacking targets even up to 1,000 kilometres away. These machines enable effective attacks on Russian critical infrastructure, including refineries and fuel depots.
At the end of last year, President Volodymyr Zelensky handed over to the army the first batch of Piekło rocket drones, which successfully underwent combat tests. A missile with a range of 690 kilometres and a speed of 700 km/h has entered series production.
In addition to drones, Ukraine is developing modern missile systems. A key element is the Neptune cruise missile, which in April 2022 sank the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, the cruiser Moskva. This missile has been adapted to attack land targets, increasing its value on the battlefield.
