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Ukraine develops unjammable fiber optic FPV attack drone, catching up to Russia’s innovation

Russians started using a similar technology in August.
byYuri Zoria
09/11/2024
2 minute read
ukraine develops unjammable fiber optic fpv attack drone catching up russia's innovation khyzhak reboff kamikaze warhead battery carried above reel underneath 3dtech llc forbes
The Khyzhak REBOff FPV kamikaze drone, the warhead and battery are carried above the drone, the fiber optic reel underneath. Photo: 3DTech LLC, via Forbes.
Ukraine develops unjammable fiber optic FPV attack drone, catching up to Russia’s innovation

Ukraine has developed a new First-Person-View (FPV) attack drone Khyzhak REBOFF that uses fiber optic cable for communication, making it immune to electronic warfare (EW) jamming, Forbes reports. The drone’s name translates to “Predator EW-off.”

The fiber-optic FPV addresses the jamming of the radio signal, one of the main challenges faced by drone operators on the battlefield. Drone warfare innovations have become a defining feature of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Unmanned vehicles of various sizes, operating in the air, on land, and at sea, play a central role, with technology advancing rapidly from both sides.

While Russia has deployed similar technology with its Prince Vandal FPV since August, Ukrainian expert Serhii Flash believes this is a rebranded Chinese model not designed for military use, Forbes reports. Nevertheless, Russia’s use of such drones is highly effective on the battlefield.

Ukraine scrambles to counter new Russian fiber optic drone threat

According to Oleksii Zhulinskyi, Founder and CEO of 3DTech LLC that has created the Khyzhak REBOFF, the development was driven by the increasing effectiveness of electronic warfare systems.

“Soldiers reported that in some areas of the front, there is a very high concentration of electronic warfare systems, particularly intense where the enemy’s important targets,” Zhulinskyi told Forbes.

The REBOFF has completed military testing, is undergoing military certification, and is preparing for its first batch delivery. Zhulinskyi said their current resources allow production of a thousand units “in a relatively short timeframe.”

3DTech is already developing enhancements for the next generation, including lighter cable for extended range and AI terminal guidance systems. The company is also exploring combinations of radio and fiber optics for operational flexibility and implementing fiber-optic communication for drone motherships. Concurrently, a number of other Ukrainian drone companies are also working on their fiber optic drones.

“Fiber-optic controlled drones are an innovative and promising technology that can solve tasks beyond the capabilities of traditional drones,” Zhulinskyi said. “Our goal is to make this technology as accessible and effective as possible to assist our military.”

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