Ukraine unveils unjammable 100km fiber-optic drone
Ukraine’s defense industry has announced a significant leap forward in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, with a local weapons maker reportedly developing a new unjammable fiber-optic drone capable of reaching targets up to 100 kilometers away. This development underscores the rapidly evolving nature of modern combat, where electronic warfare (EW) capabilities increasingly dictate battlefield dynamics. The company asserts that “the war has changed,” reflecting the profound impact this unjammable technology could have.
Fiber-optic drones represent a critical countermeasure to the pervasive electronic jamming tactics employed in the ongoing conflict. Unlike traditional radio-controlled drones, which transmit data and control signals wirelessly, these innovative UAVs are tethered to their operators by an ultra-thin fiber-optic cable. This physical connection renders them immune to electronic interference, signal spoofing, and traditional jamming techniques that can cripple conventional drones. The fiber-optic link ensures a stable, uninterrupted video feed and precise control, even in heavily contested electromagnetic environments, and notably, these drones emit no radio signals, making them virtually undetectable by enemy electronic surveillance until the moment of impact.
The adoption of fiber-optic drones has become a pivotal trend for both Ukrainian and Russian forces. Russia has notably deployed these drones, particularly in offensives like Kursk, where they proved highly effective in targeting Ukrainian logistics and vehicles, demonstrating their ability to bypass established “drone walls” and create “no-go” zones for armored vehicles. This has spurred Ukraine to accelerate its own development, with numerous domestic manufacturers now engaged in a fierce technological race.
Ukrainian innovation in this sector has been remarkable. While earlier fiber-optic drone models had limited ranges, typically between 5 to 10 kilometers, and more recent tests pushed this to over 20 kilometers, and even 40 kilometers for some models, the newly announced 100-kilometer reach marks a substantial extension of operational depth. This extended range allows for precision strikes on high-value targets previously unreachable due to electronic warfare systems or distance limitations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in 2025 that over 20 new certified fiber-optic drone models have emerged from 11 Ukrainian companies, highlighting the nation’s rapid advancements.
However, fiber-optic drones are not without their challenges. The spool of cable adds weight, which can limit speed and payload capacity. Typical fiber-optic FPVs might top out around 60 kilometers per hour, significantly slower than their untethered counterparts. The cables themselves are vulnerable to snagging on obstacles like trees or debris, and the coils can be fragile, with even minor damage potentially disrupting a mission. Despite these drawbacks, the strategic advantage of unjammability often outweighs the limitations, leading to continuous refinement by Ukrainian manufacturers focused on miniaturization and improved deployment systems.
The rapid development and deployment of these drones are changing tactical approaches on the battlefield. With the introduction of a new procurement system, DOT-Chain Defense, Ukraine has drastically cut drone delivery times to the front lines, ensuring that these cutting-edge tools reach combat units swiftly. As the conflict continues to be defined by technological innovation, the emergence of long-range, unjammable fiber-optic drones signifies a new chapter in drone warfare, forcing both sides to constantly adapt and innovate their defensive and offensive strategies.