Defense Forces' arsenal reinforced with new interceptor drones

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine has already authorized more than 80 new models of unmanned aerial systems with a fiber-optic control channel for operational use in the Defense Forces. All of them are domestically produced and were authorized for operational use this year.  

In addition, more than 25 models of Ukrainian unmanned aerial interceptor systems have already been authorized for use in military units. Many of these drones are designed to hunt down enemy strike drones. 

“The Ministry of Defence is concentrating greater efforts and more resources on the development and production of effective strike capabilities that are critically needed today. This includes, in particular, UAVs with a fiber-optic control channel and interceptor drones designed to counter enemy reconnaissance and strike drones,” said Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, First Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine. 

Among the key priorities is to scale up the production of the most effective weapon systems to their fullest extent.

It is important to note that a fiber-optic control channel provides a fully secure means of control and video transmission, immune to any form of electronic warfare. 

Ukrainian fiber-optic-guided UAVs feature different designs, can carry a variety of combat payloads, and strike enemy targets at varying depths of the front line. 

The mass production and deployment of fiber-optic-controlled drones in the military began in 2025.