Ukrainian Defence Forces to receive “Svitlovod”, new domestically produced fibre-optic drone

The Ministry of Defence has codified and approved for use in the Armed Forces of Ukraine the domestic unmanned FPV aviation complex “Svitlovod”.

The drones in the complex are built on a sturdy frame, equipped with high-performance engines and lightweight, high-capacity batteries. They operate using a fibre-optic control channel and are capable of delivering a warhead over distances of several dozen kilometres.

The drones are fitted with automatic target detection and recognition systems, as well as day or night cameras, depending on the configuration. The complex can be deployed into combat position within a few minutes.

Even before codification, the complex had already been used on the battlefield: it is known that units of the State Border Guard Service “Phoenix” operated fibre-optic drones with a flight range of 10 and 15 km.

According to the Ministry of Defence, more than 60 models of unmanned aerial systems using fibre-optic control channels have been approved for service since the beginning of 2025. It should be recalled that the Verkhovna Rada recently exempted components for fibre-optic drones from VAT and customs duties.