Fiber-Optic Warfare: Ukraine’s ‘Ghost Drones’ Shatter Range Limits, Blind Russian Defenses

Ukraine’s “ghost drones” use fiber-optic cables instead of radio signals, making them invisible to Russian jamming equipment. These modified FPV drones can travel up to 10 kilometers, carrying explosive payloads while maintaining crystal-clear video transmission. Flying at low altitudes between buildings and forests, they’ve become a serious threat to Russian military equipment. First deployed in April 2024, Ukrainian manufacturers are rapidly increasing production as these drones reshape battlefield tactics.

Slicing through Russia’s electronic defenses, a new generation of Ukrainian drones is changing the battlefield landscape. These “ghost drones” use thin fiber-optic cables instead of radio signals to stay connected to their operators. The cables unwind as the drone flies, allowing it to travel up to 10 kilometers without breaking the fiber.

Unlike regular drones that use radio signals, fiber-optic drones can’t be jammed by electronic warfare equipment. This makes them nearly impossible for Russian forces to detect or disable. They can fly low between buildings or through dense forests where radio signals would normally fail.

The technology behind these drones is fairly simple. Standard FPV (first-person view) drones are modified by replacing their radio connections with optical cables. This allows them to send high-quality video back to operators without any bandwidth limits, making targeting much more precise.

Ukrainian manufacturers are producing drones that can carry between 3 and 17.6 pounds of explosives, depending on their size. They can reach speeds of 60 kilometers per hour while performing complex flight maneuvers. The image quality stays crystal clear throughout the entire flight, unlike radio drones whose signals degrade with distance. These systems maintain signal integrity even in heavily obstructed environments that would block traditional radio communications.

Military experts say there’s “almost no defense” against these fiber-optic drones. They’ve created new vulnerabilities in areas that were previously considered safe, such as forest roads where radio signals couldn’t penetrate. Ukrainian forces report regularly striking expensive Russian equipment with these nearly undetectable weapons.

The technology isn’t without challenges. The fiber lines can tangle or catch on objects during flight. The unwinding mechanism adds weight to the drone, reducing how much explosive payload it can carry. Early versions had problems with the optical fiber coil mechanisms.

First appearing on the battlefield in April 2024, these drones are now a key weapon in Ukraine’s arsenal. Russian forces began using similar technology first, particularly in the Kursk region, but Ukrainian companies are rapidly increasing production to meet growing military demand. Recent tests have shown significant improvements with at least six manufacturers successfully addressing previous technical issues.