One of Ukraine’s Biggest Challenges for 2025: Fiber-Optic FPV Drones

Unlike conventional drones, which rely on radio frequencies vulnerable to jamming, fiber-optic drones are immune to these electronic warfare tactics, providing significant operational advantages. Introduced to the battlefield at the start of 2024, the growing presence of this new technology is shifting the dynamics of modern combat, with Ukraine and Russia integrating it into their strategies.

The emergence of fiber optic FPV drones

The main driver behind the shift to fiber-optic FPV drones lies in the rise of electronic warfare. Traditional radio-controlled drones are easy to jam, leaving them vulnerable in contested areas where EW is actively deployed. 

Fiber-optic drones bypass these limitations, utilizing a cable that creates an uninterruptible link between the drone and its operator, effectively eliminating the risk of signal jamming. This technological shift has enabled these drones to operate in areas where other drones would fail, making them especially valuable on the battlefield.

Initially, Russia led the way in using fiber-optic FPV drones in the war, deploying them to overcome the challenges posed by Ukraine’s advanced EW systems. As their success became clear, Ukraine began adapting and integrating similar systems, now developing its fiber-optic drones to level the playing field.

What are fiber optic drones and how do they work?

Fiber-optic FPV drones are specialized unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with fiber-optic cables that transmit control signals and video feeds between the operator and the drone. This system provides secure communication that is immune to jamming. 

These drones typically operate over distances of up to 20 kilometers, depending on the fiber-optic cable length. The system’s major advantage is its ability to bypass jamming from electronic warfare systems (EW), making it ideal for surveillance, intelligence gathering, and precision strikes in contested zones.

However, the system comes with its own set of logistical challenges. The weight and size of the fiber-optic spool, while essential for the technology, add significant weight to the drone, reducing its payload, flight time, and range. 

Steele claims that innovations are rapidly chipping away at the drone’s limitations saying “With every day that passes by there is progress being made to make drones stronger faster, and more affordable.“

These drones need to be specifically designed for fiber-optic integration, a design challenge being tackled by private companies developing technologies for the Armed Forces, like ISR Technology, where Gregory Steele works on specialized designs tailored to the technology.

Steele, an American who served as a volunteer fighter and company commander in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, now works as Chief Engineer at ISR Technology. He believes that fiber-optic FPV drones will reshape the battlefield. We spoke with Steele to gain insights into the development and potential of these drones.

In his view, “Fiber-optic drones should be used for killing [electronic warfare systems],” and they should be used as a “battering ram” to destroy obstacles employed by the enemy and allow traditional drones to hit their targets.

How are they used on the battlefield by Ukraine and Russia?

Russia has led the charge in deploying fiber-optic FPV drones in the war. These drones have allowed Russian troops to operate in areas where EW would typically shut down other UAVs. They use them primarily for reconnaissance, surveillance, and precision strikes.

The drones’ ability to provide stable video feeds without being affected by electronic interference has made them essential for Russian operations in regions like the Donbas, where EW is prevalent.

In response, Ukraine has rapidly integrated fiber-optic FPV drones into its military strategy. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have already begun deploying these drones in battalions after successful tests.

These drones are being used to neutralize Russian EW systems, making it easier for traditional drones to perform their roles without interference. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has already begun showcasing these domestically produced drones, signaling their growing importance in Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Limitations and challenges

While fiber-optic FPV drones offer significant tactical advantages, they come with certain limitations. The primary issue is the logistical burden posed by the fiber-optic spool. The size and weight of the cable significantly affect the drone’s payload, reducing its range and flight time, and requiring more space for transport and storage.

However, Steele argues that these logistical challenges are manageable: "With every day that passes by, there is progress being made to make drones stronger, faster, and more affordable," he says. "The fiber-optic system should not be a system that is just connected to a standard FPV. The drone itself should be built and designed for the fiber system—that is what we at ISR Ukraine are working hard at."

How could fiber-optic FPV drones reshape the battlefield?

Steele believes that fiber-optic drones will fundamentally alter battlefield dynamics. "By neutralizing EW systems, these drones will make it more difficult for the enemy to establish strong defenses," he explained. "These drones could disrupt enemy supply lines, making it

harder for them to maintain positions and continue operations. This capability to interfere with logistics and communications will create significant challenges for the enemy."

The ability to secure supply lines and communication channels by disabling enemy EW systems will allow forces to move supplies, ammunition, and troops more effectively. As a result, the strategic advantage will shift, making it harder for the enemy to maintain operational momentum.

Additionally, with improvements in payload capacity and flight range, fiber-optic drones could become a staple on the modern battlefield, disrupting enemy lines and ensuring better resupply and communication capabilities for the forces using them.

Steele also discussed the key issue with traditional drones: the loss rate. "Traditional drones can be cheap, but they’re also easily lost in combat," Steele said. "A few hundred dollars here and there doesn’t seem like much, but when you fly ten drones and only three make it to their target, the cost adds up. Fiber-optic drones improve the success rate of our missions, especially by neutralizing EW and allowing our other drones to succeed more often."

As the use of fiber-optic FPV drones expands, experts predict that they will play a central role in the war. Their ability to neutralize EW and create secure communication links will make them invaluable assets for both defensive and offensive operations. 

The next steps include refining the drones for longer ranges, higher payloads, and more autonomous capabilities. If these improvements come to fruition, fiber-optic drones could become standard tools for forces operating in EW-prone areas.