Category
Latest news

Ukraine Rolls Out 40 Fiber-Optic Drone Models Immune to Russian Electronic Warfare

2 min read
Authors
Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
AUTHOR
Ukraine Rolls Out 40 Fiber-Optic Drone Models Immune to Russian Electronic Warfare
A fiber-optic-controlled FPV drone is tested during a Ministry of Defence demonstration for Ukrainian Armed Forces commanders in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, December 26, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has approved and codified nearly 40 fiber-optic-guided drones for operational use since the beginning of 2025, including around 15 systems certified during April.

According to The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the certification and codification process is mandatory for all new military equipment before the signing of state procurement contracts. This procedure verifies the quality and operational readiness of each platform.

One of the latest additions is the domestically produced “Hromilo Optic” drone, which uses a fiber-optic control system instead of traditional radio communication.

This configuration makes the drone highly resistant to electronic warfare (EW) measures. Unlike radio-controlled drones, fiber-optic systems do not emit detectable signals, rendering the drones impervious to jamming or interception.

A remote controller set for a fiber-optic-controlled FPV drone is seen during Ukrainian military training in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, January 29, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)
A remote controller set for a fiber-optic-controlled FPV drone is seen during Ukrainian military training in Kyiv Oblast, Ukraine, January 29, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

The “Hromilo Optic” is equipped with modular video systems that can include day cameras, twilight sensors, or thermal imaging cameras, allowing operators to identify targets accurately at any time of day.

The drones are capable of carrying explosive payloads and have already been employed by Ukrainian units to destroy tanks, armored personnel carriers, and enemy firing positions.

Currently, there are two main methods for countering First-Person View (FPV) drones: physical destruction using small arms, such as shotguns, or suppression through EW systems that jam control frequencies or disrupt video transmission.

However, drones operating via fiber-optic cables are unaffected by these countermeasures. Their lack of radio signals also prevents detection by drone signal detectors, which typically alert forces to incoming threats based on emitted frequencies.

In addition to their electronic resistance, fiber-optic drones offer operators high-quality video feeds with minimal delay, enhancing targeting precision and situational awareness. Ukrainian defense manufacturers are continuing to adapt to battlefield needs by developing and certifying systems that can maintain operational advantages despite evolving threats.

Earlier, Ukraine successfully tested fiber-optic FPV drones capable of reaching targets over 20 kilometers away, according to Brave1.

See all