As radio-controlled drones face growing interference, Ukraine and Russia embrace fiber-optic UAVs for unjammable, high-precision operations.
What Is a Fiber-Optic Drone?
Fiber-optic drones are first-person-view (FPV) drones or loitering munitions connected to their operator by an ultra-thin fiber-optic cable rather than a radio link. These tethers, often stretching up to 20 kilometers or more, carry high-speed data that controls the drone and transmits video back to the pilot. Because the signal is physical rather than wireless, the drone becomes effectively immune to electronic warfare tools like jamming and signal spoofing.
According to publicly available specifications, most fiber-optic drones are built on lightweight FPV frames and can deliver explosives or serve as reconnaissance assets. The optical fiber allows real-time transmission of full HD video with very low latency, even in contested or RF-dense environments. Some models reportedly use specialized reels that deploy or retract cable in flight to reduce drag and environmental impact.
Why Militaries Are Turning to Tethered Drones
Anti-Jamming Advantage
Radio-controlled drones, especially FPVs, are vulnerable to jamming—a growing threat in modern warfare. Fiber-optic drones eliminate this problem entirely. As noted in a recent Moscow Times article, these UAVs offer “complete protection from electronic warfare,” which has made them particularly valuable in environments where signal interference is constant and deliberate.
In the same article, Russian engineers described these drones as a “game changer” for both targeting and logistics disruption. Ukrainian developers have echoed that sentiment. In a War Zone feature, Ukrainian drone units praised the reliability of tethered models during high-stakes operations near the front lines.
Reliable Signal, Better Control
The fiber-optic link offers a stable, uninterrupted feed, which enhances accuracy for both reconnaissance and strike missions. This is especially useful in cluttered or forested terrain, where GPS and video transmission can degrade rapidly. Ukrainian forces testing domestically produced drones like the “Shtorm” report near-perfect video and control, even in wooded areas or urban canyons.
Low Detectability
Because they emit no radio signals, fiber-optic drones are harder for adversaries to detect or track. That stealth can be a tactical advantage, especially for kamikaze drones that must reach targets undetected.
The Drawbacks: Tethers Come with Trade-Offs
Despite their advantages, fiber-optic drones are not without challenges:
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Snag Risk: Long cables can get caught on vegetation, fences, or buildings. Operators must fly at specific angles or along pre-cleared paths to avoid cable drag.
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Reduced Maneuverability: The drone is physically tethered to the pilot’s location. Unlike conventional FPVs that can dive behind cover or bank hard around obstacles, fiber-optic drones operate in a more constrained envelope.
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Limited Range and Payload: The length and weight of the cable restrict how far and how fast the drone can go, as well as how much explosive or equipment it can carry.
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Battlefield Debris: As noted in The Moscow Times, battlefields are now littered with strands of broken fiber. This debris not only clutters the terrain but can pose hazards to soldiers and wildlife alike.
Operational Use in Ukraine and Russia
Russia appears to have scaled its use of fiber-optic drones dramatically since spring 2024, deploying them in large numbers across eastern Ukraine. According to the Moscow Times, the Russian military has integrated these drones into both special forces units and regular infantry battalions.
Ukraine, initially behind in the race, is catching up quickly. Local firms like Technohawk and Matrix UAV are rolling out competitive systems, some of which are fielded by territorial defense forces. Ukrainian engineers have focused on miniaturization and rapid production, with an emphasis on reducing cable weight and improving deployment systems.
In battlefield use, these drones have been employed not only to identify and strike enemy positions but also to disable vehicles, locate command centers, and deliver small payloads into fortified areas. They have proven particularly effective at night, when stealth and uninterrupted control are essential.
Looking Ahead: Hybrid and Sustainable Designs
The next evolution may be hybrid drones that combine fiber-optic and RF capabilities, using tethered links only when jamming is detected. Developers are also exploring recoiling cables, biodegradable fibers, and higher-strength tethers that reduce the operational footprint.
As both Ukraine and Russia adapt tactics to counter each other’s innovations, fiber-optic drones represent a growing class of tools designed for highly contested electronic environments. Their rise is a direct response to the challenges of modern drone warfare—and a sign that the future of UAVs may not be entirely wireless.
A New Chapter in UAV Evolution
Fiber-optic drones are reshaping modern warfare by offering unmatched reliability in signal-contested zones. Their design addresses one of the most pressing vulnerabilities in today’s drone operations: electronic interference. While limitations in maneuverability, payload, and cable management remain, ongoing development suggests these hurdles may soon be overcome.
As the battlefield continues to evolve, tethered drones demonstrate that sometimes, staying connected is the best way to break free of interference.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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