The Ministry of Defense conducted tests on fiber-optic controlled FPV drones.

The Main Department of Defense Innovations of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine conducted a presentation test of FPV drones controlled via fiber optic cable.

It was noted that several domestic manufacturers showcased over a dozen drone models, some of which can carry payloads of up to 3 kg.

“Experienced UAV operators – potential users of this cutting-edge technology on the battlefield – directly observed the demonstration flights,” reported the press service of the Ministry of Defense.

Some of these drones presented at the showcase are already in the final stages of codification and will soon be supplied for the needs of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, assured Colonel Yevhen Tkachenko, head of the unmanned aerial systems department of the Main Department of Innovations at the Ministry of Defense.

“The enemy continues to enhance capabilities in using fiber optic drone control technology, so it is crucial to neutralize their advantages in this segment,” he emphasized.

Tkachenko claims that Ukrainian manufacturers are demonstrating readiness to quickly adapt to the modern challenges of war and implement cutting-edge developments. Importantly, they are also prepared for rapid scaling of these technologies to meet military needs, he noted.

The use of fiber optic-controlled drones on the battlefield is one way to overcome electronic warfare (EW). Such UAVs do not utilize radio signals, making them and their operators nearly undetectable by standard triangulation methods, and significantly resistant to electronic interference.

Fiber optic connectivity eliminates the need for onboard computers or batteries, as these can be ground-based, with power supplied through a cable, and high-resolution imaging allows for real-time object identification.

A relatively inexpensive drone serves merely as a consumable, while its “brain” is housed in an expensive ground controller that can be reused for new strikes.

Background. Recall that the head of the GUR, Kyrylo Budanov warned that the mass use of fiber optic drones by Russia poses a significant problem for Ukraine today.

“This is a huge problem for us, as it is impossible to stop them with electronic warfare means, referring to the use of FPV drones. This is a new trend and innovation this year,” Budanov said.