According to a Telegram channel (@serhii_flash), the Russian military has begun deploying FPV (First Person View) drones equipped with coils of fiber optic cables, marking a significant advancement in drone communication technologies. The Ukrainian military has encountered one of these unusual drones, which had a 10-kilometer length of fiber optic cable unspooled during flight.
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While the use of fiber optic cables in drone design may seem exotic, it has its roots in the control of anti-tank missiles, a technique used in both old Soviet models and modern fourth-generation models (Picture source: Telegram Channe @serhii_flash)

This cable control method offers a crucial advantage on the battlefield as these drones exhibit a unique resistance to electronic interference, making their neutralization extremely difficult, if not impossible, with current methods. The constant and uninterrupted video signal provided by the fiber optic cable allows for high-quality image transmission, thereby increasing the precision and effectiveness of strikes. Additionally, this technology eliminates the "radio horizon" phenomenon, which can cause a loss of connection in the drone's final meters of flight.

This drone, captured by the Ukrainian military's "Birds of Magyar" unit, is currently under study, with hopes to similarly adapt and equip Ukrainian drones. While the use of fiber optic cables in drone design may seem exotic, it has its roots in the control of anti-tank missiles, a technique used in both old Soviet models and modern fourth-generation models.

The introduction of these drone prototypes by Russian forces at the front raises questions about the advancement of this technology and its future implications for drone warfare. The idea of a cable-controlled drone was previously proposed during the Ministry of Defense's January hackathon, which showcased promising developments in unmanned systems. However, it was not pursued at the time due to the high risk of fiber optic cable breakage during flight.

By eliminating risks associated with signal loss or electronic interception, these cable drones open new possibilities for conducting military operations, ensuring smooth and secure communication even in the most contested environments. The ability of these drones to operate effectively without being affected by electronic countermeasure measures represents a turning point in drone technology, posing a major challenge for current defense strategies.

Defense News March 2024