Russia has begun using drones with fiber optic cables; ISW explains the potential threat this poses.
Russian military forces are increasingly utilizing drones connected to fiber optic cables on the front lines. The occupiers do this to launch attacks on the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new technology in Russian drones makes them resistant to electronic warfare (EW).
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that the Russians have started using fiber optic cable drones at the front.
A spokesperson for one of the Ukrainian brigades stated on January 8 that the Russian army is not yet systematically using fiber optic drones. According to him, these drones are slower and less maneuverable than UAVs that can conduct surveillance from high altitudes. Consequently, the new technology makes them more vulnerable to being hit by small arms fire.
One of the Russian military bloggers claims that Russian forces were the first to successfully develop and integrate fiber optic drones into combat operations in Ukraine. However, he warned that the Ukrainian Armed Forces will soon develop similar innovations. Russian military personnel will need to create new means to shoot down Ukrainian fiber optic drones.
It is worth noting that currently, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are fully equipped with domestically produced drones. Throughout 2024, this sector has reached unprecedented scales. Overall, Ukraine is already manufacturing 96% of the drones needed for combat operations on the front lines.
Russia Continuously Enhances Drones
Russia is continually improving Iranian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones. The latest, the third modernization, focused on a new type of warhead. According to Defense Express, the "BST-52" warhead has succeeded the "MSNI" and has gained additional cumulative and incendiary effects.
Moreover, the occupiers have upgraded the Lancet strike drones, increasing their flight range to 70 km. This is almost double the previous range, significantly raising the risks of aerial strikes from Russia.