Ukraine deploys fiber-optic ground drone to counter Russian electronic warfare

16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Ukraine deploys fiber-optic ground drone to counter Russian electronic warfare

Ukraine has unveiled an advanced fiber-optic ground drone named Bambetel, developed by Skelia Systems and KB-MEGATECH, to strengthen its defense against Russia’s growing dominance in electronic warfare. The vehicle’s design reflects Kyiv’s push to preserve battlefield connectivity amid relentless Russian jamming campaigns.

Advanced design and battlefield capabilities

The Bambetel is a compact, low-noise machine capable of traveling up to 20 kilometers with a payload of 20 kilograms. It operates at a top speed of 15 kilometers per hour and weighs only 25 kilograms, making it mobile and discreet. Its body measures 1,150 millimeters in length, 670 millimeters in width, and 420 millimeters in height.

The system connects through a primary fiber-optic cable and a backup radio channel, ensuring control even in electromagnetic interference zones. It transmits high-definition video via the CRSF protocol, providing operators with real-time situational awareness. In case of signal disruption, the Bambetel can switch to a relay platform or a Mavic drone for remote support.

Responding to Russia’s fiber-optic lead

Russian forces have long used similar fiber-optic drones, capable of operating at distances between 25 and 50 kilometers. They proved instrumental during operations in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops reported severe supply disruptions under constant Russian surveillance. One Ukrainian medic described how "fiber-optic drones were monitoring all routes, leaving no way to deliver ammunition or provisions."

Ukraine’s expanding countermeasures

In response, Ukraine has intensified efforts to match Russia’s technological edge. Domestic production of fiber-optic systems has accelerated, while defensive innovation continues with devices such as the Ptashka anti-drone launcher. Produced by Ptashka Drones, the handheld tool fires a 3.5-by-3.5-meter net capable of disabling enemy drones from up to 30 meters away. It costs between $190 and $470 depending on configuration, with replacement cartridges available at $36 each. The Ptashka has become a crucial last-resort weapon alongside 12-gauge shotguns for infantry units on the front line.

Elite Russian units, including Rubicon, have intensified the use of fiber-optic drones near Pokrovsk and Toretsk. Ukrainian military sources estimate that as of early 2025, only a fraction of drone units in Ukraine had access to comparable technology, though the gap is gradually narrowing.

The deployment of the Bambetel signals a broader strategic shift as Ukraine seeks to preserve mobility and reconnaissance in the face of complex electronic warfare. As both sides refine their unmanned systems, the conflict’s technological dimension continues to evolve, underscoring the critical role of innovation on modern battlefields.