Ukrainian drone operators use fiber-optic drones to lure Russian troops into traps
Ukrainian drone units are increasingly using fiber-optic drones for reconnaissance and deception, including faking a crash to draw out Russian soldiers, though the drones also have notable drawbacks.
Ukraine's armed forces have found new uses for fiber-optic drones beyond direct strikes, deploying them for reconnaissance of Russian positions and for deceiving enemy troops. Māris Bruža, a representative of Drone Force – Europe's "Drone House," described the tactics on the TV24 program "Aktuālais par karadarbību Ukrainā."
According to Bruža, fiber-optic drones are difficult to jam with electronic warfare systems because they are controlled through a physical cable rather than a radio signal. This allows them to fly very low and gather detailed information about Russian dugouts and bunkers before an assault. Operators from Ukraine's 413th Unmanned Systems Regiment reportedly said these drones are practically impossible to suppress.
A new deception tactic
Bruža explained that Ukrainian operators have started simulating drone malfunctions: the drone lands, then lifts off again and flies a short distance, creating the impression that it is broken. The logic is simple — if a Russian soldier spots what looks like a downed drone, curiosity may drive him to retrieve it, and by approaching he becomes a target himself.
Limitations and a specific niche
Despite their advantages, fiber-optic drones have not become a universal tool. Several limitations have emerged compared to radio-controlled drones: during maneuvers, the fiber can catch on the propellers and snap, causing the drone to crash. Flight speed is also lower and maneuverability more limited, whereas radio-controlled drones can be turned around and flown back quickly if needed.
As a result, fiber-optic drones are mainly used for specific tasks — reconnaissance in places where radio signals cannot reach, such as bunkers and underground positions — with the gathered information subsequently passed on to artillery units.
