Ukraine has tested fiber-optic-controlled first-person view (FPV) drones designed to enhance resistance to interference and hacking.
Over a dozen unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from various domestic manufacturers participated in the demonstration, with some capable of carrying warheads up to 3 kilograms (6.6 pounds).
Experienced military UAV operators were present during the event, assessing the tactical and technical characteristics of participating platforms for potential battlefield use.
Unlike traditional drones that rely on vulnerable radio signals, fiber-optic-guided UAVs use cables to transmit data, providing a more secure and stable connection and making them less susceptible to electronic warfare (EW) attacks.
“Russia continues to enhance its capabilities in using fiber-optic-controlled drone technologies, so it is crucial to neutralize its advantages in this segment,” said Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Tkachenko, Head of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Defense Innovations’s Unmanned Aviation Systems.
“Domestic manufacturers are demonstrating their readiness to quickly adapt to modern wartime challenges and implement cutting-edge developments.”
Russia’s Growing EW Capabilities
Russia has leveraged a wide range of EW tactics in Ukraine, including jamming and hacking, to disrupt communications and drone operations.
In 2023, British military analysts warned that Russian jamming had become so effective that even guided weapons could no longer accurately hit their targets.
Reports also indicated that the US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) sent to Ukraine had become “completely ineffective” at one point due to Russia’s advanced EW capabilities.
In response, NATO has planned to expand intelligence-sharing with Ukraine to counter Moscow’s growing EW attacks.
The US Air Force has also upgraded F-16 fighter jets destined for Ukraine to enhance their ability to operate in EW environments.
Army of the Future
Ukraine’s push for unjammable drones is part of its broader “Army of the Future” initiative, which seeks to integrate advanced technologies into its military.
Kyiv has taken significant steps in developing an “army of drones” and an “army of robots” to maintain a strategic edge.
Ihor Yu, a seasoned UAV operator with the Ukrainian military, noted that these advanced technologies greatly enhance military effectiveness and contribute to mission success.
“Although the technology is not new, it is highly effective in modern warfare, particularly against active enemy electronic countermeasures,” he stated. “Despite some operational challenges, these drones are essential for accomplishing specialized tasks successfully.”