Ukraine tests advanced fiber-optic drones
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Ukraine has successfully tested a new generation of FPV (first-person view) drones equipped with fiber-optic control systems, marking a significant advancement in drone warfare technology. The demonstration featured over a dozen unmanned aerial vehicles from various domestic manufacturers, with some models capable of carrying warheads up to 3 kilograms.
The innovative fiber-optic guidance system represents a crucial departure from traditional radio-controlled drones, offering enhanced resistance to electronic warfare (EW) attacks and interference. Unlike radio signals, the fiber-optic cables provide a more secure and stable data transmission link, making the drones significantly harder to hack or jam.
Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Tkachenko, Head of Ukraine's Main Directorate of Defense Innovations's Unmanned Aviation Systems, emphasized the strategic importance of this development, noting Russia's growing capabilities in fiber-optic drone technology and the need to counteract these advancements.
The testing event included military UAV operators who evaluated the tactical and technical characteristics of the participating platforms for potential combat deployment. One notable system demonstrated was the DRONARIUM team's fiber optic communication system, featuring a 10-kilometer-long wire weighing 2.3 kg, which can be integrated into both ground and aerial vehicles.
This development is part of an ongoing technological race between Ukrainian and Russian forces in drone warfare, where FPV drones have become increasingly crucial, rivaling traditional artillery in battlefield importance. The competition has evolved to include drone-versus-drone combat, a capability first documented in October 2022 when a Ukrainian Mavic drone successfully neutralized a Russian drone.
Military operators present at the demonstration expressed positive feedback about the drones' performance and showed interest in acquiring these systems for operational use, highlighting the potential impact of this technology on future military operations.