Both sides in the ongoing war in Ukraine are increasingly using fiber-optic drones, which are directly connected to their operator and cannot be jammed by electronic warfare methods.
The Kalashnikov Concern—once led by legendary Soviet arms designer Mikhail Kalashnikov, famous around the world for his creation of the AK-47 assault rifle—will continue to produce small arms for the Russian military and export market. However, the state-owned weapons manufacturer has also pivoted to other platforms, most notably unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The Russian-based firm is now providing an enhanced “20-day-endurance” Kvazimachta drone to support the Kremlin’s so-called special military operation in Ukraine.
Unlike other drones that can operate for only a few hours, the Kvazimachta reconnaissance UAS can reportedly remain airborne for up to 500 hours.
“As a rule, there is no need for such continuous operation. As a rule, it operates for 24 hours. That is, it hovers in the air, then an operator brings it down to check if everything is all right and its diesel generator can be replaced or some other maintenance is carried out,” Kalashnikov Group Director for Exports of Drones and Loitering Munitions Leonid Rokeakh told state news agency TASS on Monday.
According to Rokeakh, the drone remains active the entire time, with its power and data also transmitted via a cable to the ground. While the tether reduces its range, the recon track can maintain control on the perimeter for long durations. In addition, the drone can also provide a video feed via optical and infrared bands in real time to ground-based terminals.
The Kvazimachta Is Russia’s Most Advanced Fiber-Optic Drone
In addition to the Kvazimachta, the Kalashnikov Concern has also touted the capabilities of its Knyaz Vandal of Novogorod (KVN). This fiber-optic drone was first used last summer in the Kursk region.
“Fiber-optic drones, if we talk about KVN, are a proven product,” explained Alan Lusknikov, director general of Kalashnikov. “There is a very strong team there, they had everything organized and set up for production even before we came along. We have good relations, some joint projects with them. But KVN is an established, successful project.”
Also known as the “Prince Vandal,” the first-person view (FPV) drone was employed as a loitering munition (or “kamikaze drone”) on the battlefield in Ukraine. It is equipped with a camera, a payload section of explosions, and a miles-long spool of optic cable. It was used to target Ukrainian defensive lines, including forward positions and vehicles.
There are reports that the KVN is based on the Chinese Skywalker drone, further suggesting that Beijing has aided Moscow in the development of its UAS platforms.
Both Russia and Ukraine Are Betting Big on Fiber Optics
Fiber-optic drones are impervious to jamming because radio waves—the normal method of communication between drones and their operators, and susceptible to jamming—are not used. Instead, the cable can transmit data at very high speeds and much more securely, while being immune to interference from the terrain or atmosphere.
Both sides in the ongoing war in Ukraine are increasingly utilizing fiber-optic drones. However, beyond the distance limitations, the fiber-optic cable can add to the weight, which can impact the UAS’ payload capacity. Kyiv has increased production of its fiber-optic drones, but one issue has been obtaining fiber-optic cables, which are difficult to manufacture.
China is currently among the largest producers and exporters of fiber-optic cable. However, the platforms are also in the United States and Mexico, as well as in Japan, Italy, and India. Fiber-optic cable could be as significant on the future battlefield as other strategic resources.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Shutterstock / Drop of Light.
