Goggles of peril: Thwarted explosive plot in Russia

Russian sources report that Skyzone Cobra FPV goggles, supposedly modified by saboteurs, contained between 10 and 15 grams of explosives. Their detonation was intended to occur by pressing the power button, which would have had fatal consequences. The Russians also claim that the goggles were found during the inspection of packages containing humanitarian aid from volunteers (who were unaware of the goggles' "modifications"). The boxes they were packed in reportedly showed visible signs of tampering.

It is unclear how many such "modified" goggles were sent, as noted by The War Zone. It is also unknown whether the devices ended up in the hands of Russian soldiers, who commonly use FPV drones. In such a case, their use could be catastrophic. Members of the Lebanese Hezbollah realized this in September 2024. However, they did not receive goggles equipped with explosives but pagers. The explosion of these devices was initiated by a message sent to them.

During the war in Ukraine, FPV (First Person View) drones became one of the crucial tools used by both sides of the conflict. These small, inexpensive, remotely controlled devices, initially designed for racing and recreational flying, have been adapted for military purposes. They are used for battlefield and enemy observation, as well as carrying small explosives. In this latter form, they represent a serious threat to both personnel and military equipment.

FPV drone pilots often use VR goggles that transmit live footage from the camera mounted on the drone directly to the operator's eyes. This gives the pilot the impression of being aboard the drone, allowing for precise control and better situational awareness. This perspective is particularly useful during complex manoeuvres, low-altitude flights, and precision attacks.