Ukrainian forces evaluate next-gen FPV drones
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, under its Directorate of Defense Innovations, recently conducted a demonstration of fiber optic-controlled FPV drones as part of its efforts to modernize military capabilities.
The event showcased over a dozen drone models from domestic manufacturers, with some capable of carrying payloads of up to 3 kilograms. Experienced drone operators, potential users of the technology in battlefield scenarios, observed the tests firsthand.
“The enemy continues to enhance its capabilities with fiber optic drone control technologies. It is critical to counter these advantages in this segment,” said Lieutenant Colonel Yevhenii Tkachenko, head of the Ministry’s Unmanned Aerial Systems Directorate. “Our domestic manufacturers have demonstrated their ability to quickly adapt to modern warfare challenges and deliver innovative solutions. Today’s demonstration confirms the effectiveness and scalability of these technologies for military needs.”
Fiber optic drones offer a distinct advantage in environments with heavy electronic warfare interference. Unlike conventional FPV drones that rely on radio frequencies, these systems use lightweight fiber optic cables to transmit signals between the operator and the drone. This design renders them immune to electronic jamming, a tactic widely used in the conflict in Ukraine.
During the presentation, UAV operators from the Ukrainian Armed Forces positively evaluated the drones’ technical specifications and capabilities. Senior soldier and UAV operator Ihor Y., who participated in the demonstration, emphasized the practicality of the technology in combat scenarios.
“Although the technology is not entirely new, it is extremely effective in the context of modern warfare and the active electronic countermeasures employed by the enemy,” said Ihor. “These drones are indispensable for executing specific specialized tasks, and we anticipate a significant increase in combat efficiency with their deployment.”
Lieutenant Colonel Tkachenko noted that several drone systems presented at the demonstration are in the final stages of codification and are expected to be delivered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the near future. The ability to scale production rapidly ensures that these technologies can meet operational demands.
According to Sam Cranny-Evans of Calibre Defence, fiber optic FPV drones offer multiple advantages over traditional designs. These systems provide higher bandwidth, reducing latency and improving video quality for more precise targeting. The unjammable signal ensures that adversaries must rely on physical countermeasures, such as finding cover or shooting down the drones, to defend against them.
