Russia Turns To Fiber Optic Drones, Ukraine Looks For Response
By John Oncea, Editor
Last summer, Russia responded to Ukraine’s advance into the Kursk region by introducing fiber optic-guided, radio-jamming-resistant drones. This marked the first known use of such weapons in combat.
Ukraine’s advance into the Kursk region last summer was in part made possible by using electronic warfare (EW) to disable Russian reconnaissance drones and neutralize their first-person view (FPV) drones. “The success of Ukraine’s operation in Kursk required extensive preparation, including identifying all active frequencies and deploying sufficient jamming equipment to neutralize all drones in the area temporarily,” writes UNITED24 Media.
In response, the Russian military is adding fiber-optic drones, a method akin to wire-guided missiles like the TOW system, to its arsenal to overcome the issue of jamming. These drones are resistant to jamming and EW, giving them an advantage over Ukraine’s standard UAVs.
Oleksandr Syrskyi, the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, noted that Russia’s increased use of fiber optic drones poses significant risks to troop safety and added that Ukraine has begun deploying similar technology, according to Euromaidan Press.
Advantages Of Fiber Optic Drones
Fiber-optic drones are an emerging technology in modern warfare offering unique advantages but, like all emerging technologies, come with limitations. These drones, which use fiber-optic cables to maintain a physical connection with their operators, have become particularly prominent in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Unlike traditional drones that rely on radio-frequency (RF) signals, fiber-optic drones are immune to jamming and interception by electronic warfare systems, writes Army Recognition. This makes them highly effective in contested environments where RF interference is prevalent. In addition, their tethered communication ensures uninterrupted control and secure data transmission, providing operators with reliable, high-quality video feeds for real-time decision-making.
Business Insider adds that since fiber optic drones do not emit radio signals, they are harder to detect using RF sniffers or other electronic detection methods. This enhances their stealth during reconnaissance or attack missions.
These drones excel in delivering precision strikes and performing surveillance in environments where RF-controlled drones would fail. Their ability to operate effectively in tunnels, valleys, or areas with heavy electronic interference makes them versatile tools for modern combat scenarios.
Finally, while fiber optic drones are technologically advanced, they are considered a lower-tech alternative to AI-powered autonomous systems, adds Yahoo News. This makes them relatively cost-effective for nations seeking robust solutions against electronic warfare.
Disadvantages Of Fiber-Optic Drones
The operational range of fiber-optic drones is constrained by the length of the cable spool they carry, typically maxing out at around 10 miles, Spotter Global writes. This limits their utility to frontline operations and reduces their flexibility compared to RF-controlled drones.
The tethered design restricts sharp turns and rapid accelerations, making these drones less agile than their wireless counterparts. This limitation can make them easier targets for small arms fire or physical countermeasures like nets.
Another limitation is payload constraint, Hack Your Mom writes. Carrying a spool of fiber-optic cable adds significant weight to the drone, reducing its payload capacity for munitions or additional equipment. For example, a drone with a 6-mile cable can only carry a small warhead weighing up to three pounds.
The fiber-optic cable itself is a potential weak point. It can be damaged by obstacles such as trees, buildings, or rough terrain, leading to mission failure if the connection is severed. Additionally, the cable can be traced back to the operator's location, posing a security risk in hostile environments.
Finally, despite their cost-effectiveness relative to AI systems, fiber-optic drones remain expensive due to the high manufacturing costs of optical cables and specialized components. A 6-mile cable alone can cost thousands of dollars. Storage and transportation of delicate optical cables require careful handling, further complicating logistics, as do extreme weather conditions such as high winds or freezing temperatures.
Defending Against Fiber Optic Drones
As both sides of the Ukraine-Russia conflict continue deploying these drones, it is clear that they fill a critical niche in modern combat scenarios while also highlighting areas where innovation is needed to maximize their potential. Unlike traditional drones, they cannot be detected through their radio signature, necessitating alternative detection methods.
According to Euromaidan Press, Ukrainian technology company Kara Dag is working on using acoustic and visual detection combined with advanced processing techniques to identify these drones. Acoustic detection is a well-established technique that relies on microphones to capture the distinctive noise of drone propellers and motors.
Fiber-optic drones are noisier than standard drones due to the extra thrust required to carry the fiber-optic cable. However, the primary limitation of acoustic detection is range, as sound attenuates with distance and is easily drowned out by ambient noise. To counter this, arrays of directional microphones are employed to focus on specific portions of the sky, reducing background interference and improving detection accuracy.
Visual detection, another widely used approach, faces its own set of challenges. Small drones appear as specks against the sky, making them difficult to distinguish from birds or aircraft. Additionally, fiber-optic drones typically fly at lower altitudes, limiting line-of-sight detection. However, their fiber-optic cables reflect infrared light, which can be exploited using an infrared laser and camera system to detect reflections. The heat signature from the drone’s motors also can serve as an identifying marker.
Both acoustic and visual detection methods must filter out significant background noise to identify drones accurately. Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence could enhance these techniques by improving signal processing. Moreover, combining both detection approaches strengthens overall effectiveness, increasing the likelihood of successful identification.
One potential countermeasure lies in laser-directed energy weapons. The British Armed Forces recently tested the DragonFire laser weapon, which can engage aerial targets at the speed of light. DragonFire’s range remains classified, but as a line-of-sight weapon, it can neutralize any visible drone. While promising, laser technology is still in development and is unlikely to provide an immediate battlefield solution.
Drone warfare has evolved into a landscape where various drones serve specialized roles. Some are optimized for reconnaissance, while others are designed for precision strikes. Ideally, military units should have access to multiple types of drones to suit different combat scenarios. However, battlefield conditions are often far from ideal, making countering fiber-optic drones an urgent priority.
Currently, neither Ukraine nor Russia possesses an effective countermeasure against fiber-optic drones. Various physical neutralization methods, such as turrets, net launchers, and shotguns, are being explored alongside laser-based approaches. The race remains open, and the first side to develop a practical solution will gain a tactical advantage on the battlefield.
The Role Of Fiber-Optic Drones In Modern Conflict
Fiber-optic drones have proven invaluable in environments dominated by EW tactics. In Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, these drones have been deployed for precision strikes and intelligence gathering under conditions that render traditional RF-controlled UAVs ineffective. However, their limitations – particularly range and payload constraints – have prompted ongoing innovation aimed at improving their performance.
While some experts view these drones as an interim solution until more advanced technologies become widely available, others argue that their unique capabilities will ensure their continued relevance on the battlefield. Innovations in lightweight materials and more durable cables may help address some of the current drawbacks.
Fiber-optic drones represent a significant advancement in drone warfare technology by overcoming vulnerabilities associated with RF-controlled systems. Their immunity to jamming and enhanced stealth capabilities make them formidable tools in electronic warfare-heavy environments like Ukraine. However, their range limitations, reduced maneuverability, and logistical challenges underscore the need for further refinement.