Cable-controlled drones were initially seen as a definitive solution because they cannot be affected by electronic warfare measures, and moreover, the positions of the operators cannot be detected through radio reconnaissance. However, in the world of weaponry, there are no systems without flaws. Along with the cost, the weight of the spool, and certain maneuverability restrictions, practical experience has shown that fiber-optic drones have another drawback.
This was discovered by the fighters of the "Phantom of Khortytsia" drone battalion of the 15th Brigade of the National Guard. A published video demonstrated that the fiber-optic cable unwound by Russian drones became an excellent indicator of the operators' positions.
As a result, Ukrainian defenders managed to eliminate an enemy group of five individuals. They were destroyed using FPV drones with radio control and finished off with drops.
At the same time, it is evident that their hideout was discovered due to a certain coincidence. The enemy managed to launch about six drones along roughly the same route. The low sun on the horizon successfully illuminated the strands of fiber-optic cable.
The reflections from the fiber-optic cable provide a fairly clear direction, meaning that even if it was not possible to visually trace the strands to the operators, one can still obtain a fairly precise vector toward them. By moving along this vector, it may be possible to locate a structure or other cover where the operators of these drones could logically be positioned.
Ultimately, it is necessary to understand that the enemy may begin to use a similar search method, if they are not already doing so. Therefore, this particular feature and the demasking factor of fiber-optic drones should also be taken into account by Ukrainian operators.
