Russian Fiber-Optic FPV Drones: A Real Threat to Sumy Is Currently Unlikely, but the Situation Could Change in the Future
Claiming that Russia has in its arsenal powerful fiber-optic drones capable of seriously threatening Sumy and its residents is currently not entirely accurate. Despite widespread information campaigns and growing hype around this topic, experts unanimously emphasize: the range of drones operating on fiber-optic communication is about 15 kilometers, whereas the distance from Russian positions to the regional center of Sumy is at least 18–20 kilometers. This means that, at present, the capabilities of such drones in this context are limited and do not pose a real threat to the peaceful residents of the region. It is additionally important to consider that the take-off points for these drones are usually positioned significantly behind the front lines. According to military specialists, they are at least 5 kilometers away from active combat zones. This implies that if, for example, Russian drones are located 20–25 kilometers from Sumy, and considering that their launch point is five kilometers behind the fighting lines, their actual flight range could exceed 35 kilometers — well beyond what current technology permits. The commander of one of the Ukrainian drone units operating in the region notes: “The effectiveness of such drones sharply decreases with distance. The further they fly, the less useful payload they can carry. At maximum range, they can only deliver an F-1 grenade, but its destructive effect is insufficient for significant impacts or targets behind enemy lines. Therefore, investing resources in fiber-optic drones for shelling a city or rear facilities is pointless and unfeasible.” While Ukrainian military personnel cautiously perceive potential new Russian technologies, Russian Telegram channels are spreading information about allegedly developing and deploying fiber-optic FPV drones with ranges up to 50 km. If this technology is indeed put into operation in the coming months, the situation around Sumy could change dramatically, and the threat could increase several times. However, it is currently worth noting that at the official level or in analytical sources, it is believed that implementing such a high-tech system would take at least several months. Given the complexity of setup and production, as well as the duration of testing and deployment, it is premature to speak of imminent developments. According to research by analytical centers, as early as January of this year, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russia is actively increasing the use of fiber-optic-controlled drones. This allows Ukraine to better bypass electronic warfare countermeasures and reduce the risk of losses. Technology based on control via fiber-optic cable provides Russian forces with certain tactical advantages, as it is difficult to intercept or block with Ukrainian air defense and electronic warfare systems. Thus, for now, fiber-optic FPV drones do not pose a direct and serious threat to the regional center of Sumy and its residents, but the mobility and capabilities of Russian technology provide grounds for concern. Military experts warn that it is crucial to stay alert, monitor news and developments, because with technological advancements, any ban or restriction on new types of weapons could change very quickly, especially in the context of the high-tech warfare being conducted by both sides.