Russian fiber-optic drones have already become a problem on the contact line in eastern Ukraine because they are not affected by electronic warfare, writes military communications specialist Serhiy Flesh (Beskrestnov).
“The military departments are already dealing with the problem, but we need to think together. You write me a lot of ideas on this topic, but we need a systematic approach to analyzing and evaluating them,” the expert said.
He hopes that the Ministry of Defense will hold a specialized hackathon where experts will be able to see and evaluate all the options for possible counteraction.
Drones on fiber optics
The use of FPV drones with fiber optic communication really complicates countermeasures, as they become virtually invisible to electronic warfare systems. Such a drone carries a 10-kilometer-long fiber optic coil and unwinds it in the air while maintaining communication with the operator.
The main challenges associated with this technology:
- Invisibility to electronic warfare: The absence of radio signals makes drones virtually impossible to detect and intercept.
- High image quality: The operator receives a clear image from the drone, which significantly improves the accuracy of target engagement.
- Difficulties in locating the operator: The lack of radio signals makes it difficult to localize the drone operator.
- Limited maneuverability: The length of the fiber optic cable limits the range and maneuverability of the drone.
- Risk of cable breakage: Damage to the cable leads to loss of control of the drone.
Possible areas of counteraction and development
Active countermeasures:
- Lasers: The use of lasers to cut fiber optic cable.
- Special nets: Deploying nets that would tangle or damage the cable.
- Drone interception: Developing systems to capture or destroy a drone before it reaches its target.
Passive means of counteraction:
- Intelligence: Increased intelligence to identify drone launch sites and flight paths.
- Cloaking: The use of camouflage nets and other means to make it difficult to detect drones.
Development of own technologies
- Creation of Ukrainian analogs: Developing our own drones with fiber-optic communication to study their weaknesses and develop countermeasures.
- Hybrid systems: Creating drones with combined communications (fiber optic and radio) that will increase range and maneuverability.
Ukraine should cooperate with other countries facing similar threats to share information and technology. International consortia should be created to develop new countermeasures.
Suggestions for further research:
- Weakness analysis: A detailed study of the design of Russian drones with fiber-optic communication to identify their vulnerabilities.
- Flight modeling: Creating computer models to simulate the flight of drones and develop algorithms for intercepting them.
- Testing of countermeasures: Conducting experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of various countermeasures against fiber-optic drones.
Expert opinion
The emergence of FPV drones with fiber-optic communication is a serious challenge for the Ukrainian armed forces. To effectively counter it, it is necessary to combine the efforts of scientists, engineers and the military. It is also important to intensify international cooperation to share experiences and develop new technologies.
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