FPV Drones Deployed in Sumy Region
Russian forces have started using fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones to strike high-voltage substations in Ukraine's Sumy region. These drones are resistant to electronic warfare (EW) signal jamming, allowing them to bypass defensive measures. According to the Center for Information Resilience (CIR), four strikes on 330 kV substations and at least four strikes on 110 kV substations have been confirmed. The cost of an autotransformer at a 330 kV substation is approximately $3.5 million, while a single FPV drone can cost around $2,000.
New Drone Tactics Emerge
Since May 2023, Russia has actively used these drones to circumvent protective structures installed by Ukraine. Specifically, Ukrainian forces have covered high-voltage transformers with concrete sarcophagi and drone nets. Russian drones first create holes in the protective netting, then guide a second drone to deliver the strike.
“Russia’s goal is to terrorize people and make life in border areas unbearable,” said Joshua Scrivens.
He added that “these strikes are part of a broader Russian strategy to isolate Ukrainian regions from the national power grid.”
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian commanders over strikes on Ukraine’s electricity network during 2022–2023. Russia, for its part, denies targeting civilians and claims to adhere to international norms. The situation in the Sumy region remains tense, and the use of new warfare technologies is raising concern among the international community.
The deployment of fiber-optic-guided FPV drones marks an evolution in military technology and changes in combat tactics. This increases risks to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, already under threat from previous attacks. Given the strategic importance of the power grid for energy independence and civilian life, such strikes could have serious consequences for the region’s population.
The evolving tactics in the use of fiber-optic drones are not limited to the Sumy region. In a related development, operators from the Phoenix Unit have successfully targeted enemy positions using similar drone technology. This highlights a significant shift in combat strategies that could further impact the conflict dynamics in the region. To learn more about these advanced drone operations, visit how Phoenix Unit operators are utilizing fiber-optic drones.