Media showcased a Ukrainian-made fiber-optic UAV

Media showcased a Ukrainian-made fiber-optic UAV

Ukrainian engineers have created a drone equipped with a fiber-optic cable, making it virtually undetectable and invulnerable to EW measures on the battlefield.

This was reported by the Kyiv Post.

The published report states that this innovation could restore the use of drones on the battlefield, where months of suppression and other forms of EW attacks have diminished their effectiveness.

"This drone is completely invisible in the radio spectrum. No EW system is capable of determining its launch site or the location of the operator," said Anton Moholivets, the chief engineer of the manufacturing enterprise. After successful military trials, the technology is to be deployed by the Defence Forces in 2025.

Three months ago, this technology was not available in Ukraine. The drone, equipped with a 20-kilometer cable, can remain airborne for 20 minutes at speeds up to 60 km/h with a payload of up to 5.5 kg. Recent trials have increased the flight duration to 46 minutes, thereby enhancing its operational potential.

This FPV drone is intended to be used as a kamikaze drone for strikes against fortified positions, EW and communication facilities, and enemy armored vehicles with advanced defence systems. Its purpose is to neutralize obstacles and clear the path for the subsequent actions of conventional FPV drones.

According to Moholivets, the Russian Armed Forces rely on expensive Chinese-imported fiber-optic drones, which cost $2,500 per unit with an additional $1,000 for the cable. In comparison, the Ukrainian version costs $1,800, providing a two-to-one economic advantage.