Drones of the Russian Armed Forces can fly into front-line cities: an expert explained the enemy's new tactics
The main feature of such drones is communication with the operator not by a radio channel, but by a thin fiber-optic cable, which is unwound from a coil during flight. This makes them invisible to most electronic warfare (EW) systems, which are designed to suppress radio signals. "Any drone that is in peaceful Ukrainian skies and does not belong to the Ukrainian military is a source of increased danger," the expert emphasized.
According to him, if earlier the range of such UAVs was estimated at 10-20 km, now cases of flights of 28 km have already been recorded. At the same time, theoretically, the length of the cable can reach 40 km. The warhead of such a drone usually weighs several kilograms, which, according to Yakovenko, "is enough to hit military equipment or cause critical damage. " The weak point of these drones is the fiber optic cable itself.
The greater the flight distance, the higher the risk of its interruption. In this connection, the success of the mission at long distances always decreases, Yakovenko explained. The cable can break due to weather conditions, strong winds or simply by getting caught in trees, wires or other obstacles. The expert noted that the cold and windy winter may partially play into the hands of the Ukrainian defense, making it difficult for such drones to operate.
The most effective means of combating fiber-optic UAVs remains conventional small arms, since they are not protected from physical damage. In addition, special anti-drone nets are actively used to protect equipment and logistics routes, which are effective both against FPV drones on radio communication and on fiber optics. The expert believes that it is technically possible to completely protect the entire city from such attacks, but it requires enormous resources.
Therefore, it is realistic to secure only critically important objects. For civilians, the main rule remains reaction to sound. The characteristic ringing sound of electric motors and propellers means that the drone is already very close - sometimes at a distance of up to 100 meters. "It is very difficult to even see such a drone, especially in the dark. Therefore, it is better to react to the sound and hide when you hear it. Do not take risks," the expert concluded.