Russia doubles fiber-optic drone production in 2025, ISW says

Russia continues active development of UAVs with fiber-optic cables (FPV), which in recent months have proven effective in carrying out air countermeasure tasks on the battlefield in Ukraine. According to Ushkuynik Scientific and Production Center General Director Alexey Chadayev, Russia produces more than 50,000 such drones per month.

Chadayev noted that in 2025, the country’s production of fiber-optic drones doubled. Production facilities are located in three regions, the exact names of which are not disclosed; at the same time, more than one plant operates in each region.

The mass deployment of these systems, resistant to Ukrainian electronic warfare and jamming, has given Russian forces a significant advantage on the battlefield.

Thanks to their simple design, production scaling in 2025 was successful. Fiber-optic drones make it possible to deliver precise strikes on Ukrainian armored vehicles, communication lines, troop movements, and electronic warfare systems.

In addition, their use expands Russia’s ability to block Ukrainian transport and communication lines in forested areas, including the territory of the Serebryanske forest area, where traditional means of control are more difficult.

Analysts note that the widespread use of FPV drones enhances the tactical capabilities of Russian forces and allows them to conduct operations with high precision at minimal risk to personnel.

In the fall, Russia plans once again to attempt an advance in the areas of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, although its offensive is progressing slowly. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the main focus of Russian activity during this period will remain Donetsk region.

Russia's shadow network of oil tankers has expanded significantly after the West imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its military actions in Ukraine. These measures restricted official oil supplies and forced part of the fleet to operate covertly.