Fiber-optic drones reinvigorate tactics in Ukraine conflict
Drones have become a major component of warfare in Ukraine, right after artillery. Hiding heavy equipment in the ruins of buildings no longer ensures its safety; even a small gap can result in the loss of equipment worth millions.
The introduction and spread of drones using fiber optics a few months ago has transformed the battlefield, as these drones are impervious to jamming. However, it's important to note that fiber-optic drones remain in the minority.
For this reason, they are often reserved for targeting more valuable objectives, especially behind enemy lines where jammers are common. The video below illustrates how drones infiltrate hangars where the Russians have hidden self-propelled howitzers. The first appears to be a 2S1 Gvozdika, and the second a 2S19 Msta-S; both were destroyed.
Fiber-optic drones — return to the state of late 2022/2023
Drones connected to the control station via fiber optics have brought back the tactical advantage seen in late 2022/2023, when they easily eliminated armored targets and defenses against them were just beginning to emerge.
Over time, jammers were developed, which, depending on the frequency coverage used by the opposing drone operators, either succeeded or failed. This led to alternating periods where drone operators faced both success and ineffectiveness.
Fiber-optic drones have effectively reduced this cyclical pattern because they cannot be jammed and do not emit any radio signals. These signals can be detected by detectors that even allow a view from the drone's camera.
The compromise for using a fiber-optic connection is the need to carry a spool with a deploying fiber-optic cable, which limits the range and payload of the drone. The range of these drones varies from 6 to 12 miles and can even reach 25 miles, as mentioned in one of the reports by "Madziar." However, as the range increases, the payload capacity for the combat head decreases.
