Russian Soldiers Killed by Rigged Fiber-Optic Cables Intended for FPV Drones

Russian military units have reportedly received booby-trapped fiber-optic spools intended for use with FPV drones, resulting in the deaths of at least two servicemen, according to the Russian Telegram channel “Kak ya poekhal na voinu” on February 24.

The channel reported that the modified fiber-optic cable spools detonated during preparation for use, specifically at the stage of connecting them to FPV drone systems. According to the same source, at least two Russian servicemen were killed while handling the equipment.

The Telegram channel claimed that the spools had been supplied to Russian units as assistance, though it did not specify who distributed them or how they entered military supply chains. It also did not provide technical details about the explosive mechanism or the number of units affected. The overall scale of the reported deliveries remains unclear.

Fiber-optic FPV drones are increasingly used on the battlefield because they are controlled via physical cable rather than radio signal, reducing their exposure to electronic warfare interference. If confirmed, the reported incidents could temporarily affect the use of such systems, which have become a key component of frontline drone operations.

There has been no statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the latest claims about the fiber-optic spools. The information has not been independently verified.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

1 Million Soldiers for 1% of Ukraine Since 2023: Russia’s Trillion-Dollar War After Four Years

Feb 24, 2026 16:22

Earlier, Russian Telegram channels reported that FPV drone operators had received Skyzone Cobra X V4 goggles allegedly modified with concealed explosive charges.

According to those reports, the devices contained 10–15 grams of plastic explosive embedded near the cooling fan and connected to the power button, designed to detonate upon activation.

The goggles were reportedly discovered during an inspection of humanitarian aid intended for Russian forces, though the origin of the shipment and the claims have not been independently verified.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters work on the frontlines to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support helps them keep reporting.

SUPPORT FRONTLINE REPORTS