Ukraine overcomes critical obstacle to using fiber-optic drones
Photo: analog station prototype for fiber-optic drones (facebook.com)
The introduction of a unified standard is aimed at reducing preparation time before deployment to positions and increasing the effectiveness of drone operations under electronic warfare (EW) conditions, according to Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
According to him, fiber-optic drones are now one of the key strike tools, especially amid the widespread use of electronic warfare systems. At the same time, their effective use is complicated by the large number of different control systems.
"Dozens of different solutions from various manufacturers are operating on the front line at the same time. That is why, when moving into position, operators are forced to carry three to five different systems with them. This creates an unnecessary burden and reduces the time available to carry out combat missions," Fedorov said.
To address this issue, the Ministry of Defense, together with manufacturers, has spent several months developing a single standard. UAV effectiveness advisor Serhii Sternenko also took part in the effort.
The technical specifications for analog ground stations, which remain the most common in the military, have now been established. A prototype close to mass production has already been created and will be delivered to units this week for combat testing.
The next stage will involve developing digital control systems and scaling the unified solution across the entire front line.
"Our goal is to create a single unified ground station that replaces several different solutions and removes unnecessary complexity in the work of units. Under the President’s directive, we are destroying the enemy across all domains — on land, in the air, and in the economy. To achieve this, we are systematically removing barriers and providing the military with tools that deliver results," the Defense Minister said.
The rapid adoption of standardized solutions for fiber-optic drones is taking place amid their growing role on the battlefield. Drones have become one of the key strike tools, and Ukraine’s Defense Forces currently maintain an advantage in attack UAVs, with the ratio estimated at roughly 1.3 to 1 in Ukraine’s favor.
At the same time, Russia is seeking to shift the balance. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia plans to expand its drone forces to 101,000 personnel, which could strengthen its positions, particularly in southern sectors where it has been losing the initiative.
