Drones' new tether: Fibre optic cables pose risks on Ukraine's front
The Military News UA profile on X has shared a video from the front in Ukraine, depicting peculiar networks that soldiers traverse, which become tangled underfoot. This phenomenon is a consequence of advancements in drone warfare, with many new designs employing fibre optic cables.
The war in Ukraine means that, for the foreseeable future, both Ukrainian and Russian territories will be littered with unexploded ordnance, mines, and various other hazards resulting from the ongoing conflict. Additionally, these strange networks are becoming more prevalent on the front lines, posing a threat to helicopters, particularly if they are suspended in trees.
Fibre optic cables on the frontline
It should be clarified that drones controlled via fibre optic cables have risen in popularity in recent months of the conflict. This is largely due to the escalation in effective jamming techniques used against drones by both sides. Fibre optics present a solution, as they are entirely immune to electronic warfare systems.
However, they do have drawbacks, chiefly their limited range. Such drones must bear the extra burden of the fibre optic cable, restricting their reach to 6-12 miles. Additionally, it is important to note that drones with fibre optics can inadvertently reveal the launch site to the opponent, as the cable traces back to the operator.
Although many fibre optic cables from drones lie on the ground—as observed in the recently released footage from the front—they are also found in trees, spanning vast distances. In such instances, the cables present a direct hazard to helicopters which, when flying at low altitudes, may become entangled, potentially leading to tragic accidents.
