Ukraine tests FPV drones on fiber optics with 20 km range

The Brave1 defense technology cluster conducted the first trials of fiber-optic FPV drones in Ukraine, capable of targeting enemy positions at distances of more than 20 km.

This was reported by the press service of the government organization.

"During the tests, organized by the defense tech cluster Brave1 with the assistance of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Andriy Lebedenko, and the Department of Innovation of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, more than 15 UAV manufacturers tested their products at the training ground, overcoming a 20 km route with obstacles and simulating an attack on the target," the statement says.

Brave1 noted that previously, the flight range of such drones was only 5-10 km, so 20 km is a significant progress achieved by the developers.

The drones are immune to electronic warfare (EW) and invisible to the enemy due to the lack of radio emissions.

Another feature is the stable and clear video transmission even at long distances.

Additionally, the organization emphasized that there is no impact from the radio horizon factor on these drones.

The event was also attended by 7 manufacturers of ground robotic systems (GRS) on fiber optics, who conducted a test run.

"Fiber optics is a game changer in the communication and electronic warfare confrontation, as it provides stable communication that is unaffected by EW systems. We are very interested in implementing fiber optics so that our GRS can operate at greater distances and help us destroy the enemy even more effectively," said Captain Oleksandr Yabchanka, the head of the robotic systems service for the Wolves Da Vinci battalion, who attended the event.

Brave1 plans to work on improving such drones, as well as developing countermeasures to enemy fiber optics.

• In January, the Main Directorate of Defense Innovations of the Ministry of Defense conducted a presentation of fiber-optic FPV drones for representatives of the commands of various branches of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.