Ukraine develops fiber-optic FPV drones to counter Russian electronic warfare
Photo: Ukrainian soldier with a drone on fiber-optic cable (Getty Images)
Ukrainian engineers are developing a new generation of FPV drones with fiber-optic control, capable of operating under conditions of powerful Russian electronic warfare. The Ministry of Digital Transformation is already testing samples that could become a breakthrough at the forefront, according to a comment from Dmytro Slediuk, an instructor at Dronarium Academy.
As is known, so far, fiber-optic FPV drones in Ukraine have not reached the level of Russian analogues, but domestic companies are actively working on their creation.
"We see dozens of startups trying to develop similar systems," notes Sledyuk.
It is reported that among the leaders in this direction is the company 3DTech, which already mass-produces a line of Predator REBOFF drones. Also in development is the Predator Shooter interceptor drone, designed to destroy enemy fiber-optic FPVs.
According to the manufacturers, such drones are effective in environments saturated with electronic warfare, where conventional radio-controlled FPVs can no longer operate. They are capable of:
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flying below the radio horizon, remaining invisible to surveillance systems,
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operating in enclosed spaces: dugouts, buildings, underground facilities.
3DTech emphasizes that a fiber-optic drone is not a replacement, but rather a supplement to classic FPVs.
"If the enemy has EW systems on position, the operator can first disable it with a fiber-optic drone, and then strike with radio-controlled FPVs," they say.
To support domestic production, in June 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed two laws that cancel VAT and duties on the import of fiber optics and other drone components.
This is expected to reduce the cost of critical components and stimulate the localization of production in Ukraine.
However, market participants emphasize that in addition to tax relief, the state can support the sector through targeted funding programs, in particular for:
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creating prototypes,
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conducting tests,
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launching mass production.
There is also talk of the need for grant programs for miltech startups, expansion of state R&D, reduction of bureaucracy, and infrastructure support.
Opening international markets, according to industry representatives, will allow for scaling production and developing the high-tech defense sector.
More details about what fiber-optic FPV drones are and how Ukraine is trying to counter them can be found in the RBC-Ukraine material.
It should be noted that even US President Donald Trump was impressed by the extensive use of UAVs in modern warfare. According to him, no one expected that drones would turn out to be the main weapon in the war between Ukraine and the Russian Federation.
However, Russia is not standing still. In particular, the occupiers used a new jet-powered drone Geran-3 during an attack on Kyiv.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has officially adopted the remotely operated combat module Khyzhak into service. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has already codified the new domestic development.
